Boris Johnson has said the army is "on standby" after the Met Office issued the highest level of alert for Storm Eunice.
The Prime Minister was speaking on a visit to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire as Britain is braced for what could be the worst storm to hit the country in 30 years.
It comes as the Met Office forecasts Storm Eunice will arrive at 5am on Friday, bringing with it 80mph winds and flying debris that could present “a danger to life”.
Meanwhile, thousands remain without power after Storm Dudley wreaked havoc.
Asked if he would deploy the army to combat the red weather warnings put in place by forecasters, the PM said: “So for those who have already been affected by Storm Dudley, we are offering all the support that we can.
“My sympathies to those who are still without power – we are working with the power companies, the local authorities to get their juice restored as fast as possible.
“But of course, the army is on standby.”
The Prime Minister chaired an emergency COBR meeting about Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice on Thursday morning.
The red weather warning – the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely – about Storm Eunice was issued due to fears over the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge.
Strong winds are likely to rip roofs off homes and down power lines on Friday, the Met Office has said.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.”
“The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.
Schools in Wales will be closed on Friday and National Highways has issued a severe weather warning across all regions.
London Zoo has already confirmed it will be closed on Friday.
Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum has already declared Storm Eunice a major incident due to the “potential for severe disruption” to the region.
The Environment Agency, meanwhile, has issued severe flood warnings for parts of the Severn and Wye estuaries in south-west England and south Wales ahead of the arrival of Storm Eunice, meaning there is a “danger to life” from strong winds, high waves and a high tide.
Severe flooding to homes and main roads is expected on Friday morning along the Severn estuary at Broadoak, Epney, Framilode, Frampton, Newnham, Priding, Saul and Westbury, and as well as the tidal Severn from Elmore to Rodley and the areas of Hempsted, Minsterworth and Stonebench near Gloucester.
Similar warnings are in place on the Wye Estuary at Brockweir and at Elmdale in Chepstow.
