Weather experts fear Storm Eunice could unleash a rare and powerful phenomenon called a sting jet, believed to be responsible for some of the worst damage in storms of this kind.
The cyclone storm system has triggered two Red Warnings from the Met Office for high wind - only the 11th warning at the highest level issued by the forecaster.
Schools, business, roads and transport systems across the country have been shut down for safety, with red, amber and yellow warnings in place from Friday and through the weekend.
