A forecaster has warned Storm Eunice could pack an even bigger punch than expected when it hits the UK on Friday morning.
The weather system - already set to bring winds up to 100mph and life-threatening flying debris to parts of southern England - could produce a “sting jet” similar to the one seen during the Great Storm of 1987, according to the expert.
The meteorological phenomenon happens when a jet of cold air in a powerful weather system rapidly descends from up to four kilometres in the atmosphere to the ground over three of four hours.
Its name derives from the hooked cloud head that emerges from the southern flank of a cyclone, which resembles a scorpion’s tale.
Scientists have determined that the Great Storm of 1987, which caused the deaths of 18 people, included a sting jet which they think contributed to the catastrophic damage it wreaked.
Dr Peter Inness, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, said he thought that Storm Eunice could produce a sting jet.
“Eunice looks like it may be able to produce a sting jet, a narrow, focused region of extremely strong winds embedded within the larger area of strong winds and lasting just a few hours,” he said.
“Such events are quite rare but the 1987 ‘Great Storm’ almost certainly produced a sting jet, and some of the more damaging wind storms since have also shown this pattern.”
A rare red weather warning - the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely - has been issued by the Met Office due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge.
There is a risk of “flying debris resulting in danger to life” and “damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down” along the coastline of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset as well as the south coast of Wales from Friday morning.
The Cobra emergency committee met on Thursday “to discuss the response to Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice”, the Government said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the Army is on standby to help those affected by Storm Eunice.
Amber warnings, the second highest alert level, for wind are in place across the whole of England from 5am to 9pm on Friday, while yellow weather warnings, the next level down, for wind and snow are in force for a large part of Scotland - where blizzards are predicted - and the whole of Northern Ireland.
Severe and significant flooding may also take place along the coastlines of the south and west of England as spring tides are expected on Friday morning.
A National Trust spokesperson said: “Most of the places we look after in the south, south west and east of England, in the Midlands, and in Wales will be closed tomorrow due to the incoming storm, with some sites also shut in the north of England and Northern Ireland.
“We’re urging people to follow local advice and to check our website for more information.”
A number of parks and open spaces including Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, west London, and Wakehurst, West Sussex, will also be closing their doors, it was announced on social media.
Some councils across the UK are to help shelter homeless people and halt bin collections.
Strong winds from Storm Eunice could cause trees to be blown on to train lines, possibly leading to delays and cancellations, the Rail Delivery Group said.
A Network Rail spokesman said disruption is “inevitable”.
