Several of London’s biggest tourist attractions will shut on Friday as the capital is battered by heavy wind and rain brought by Storm Eunice.
The London Eye and the Royal Botanic Gardens are among the tourist hotspots that will close their doors while the storm brings 80mph gusts and torrential downpours.
Londoners have been warned to stay inside while a red weather warning is in place until 12am for the coastline of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset as well as the south coast of Wales.
It means damage to homes, train cancellations and power cuts are likely and people in affected areas should stay at home.
The London Eye told customers it would shut as a result of the storm.
The official account’s tweet read: “Due to severe weather disruption the London Eye and River Cruise has taken the difficult decision to close Friday.
“The safety of our guests is our number one priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please follow us here for updates.”
The Royal Botanic Gardens centre, in Kew and Wakehurst, West Sussex, will also close their doors.
In an email to customers, the centres said: “Due to severe weather, Kew Gardens and Wakehurst will be closed Friday.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly. We always put the safety of our staff and visitors first, and that is why we’ve decided to close the gardens. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
“The situation will be closely monitored and the gardens will re-open to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so. Please check our website for the latest updates.”
Outside of London, Windsor-based theme park Legoland and Warwick Castle will close amid the torrid weather.
Meanwhile, train travellers have been urged to rethink journeys amid warnings strong winds could cause trees to be blown on to train lines, leading to delays and cancellations.
A Network Rail spokesman said disruption is “inevitable” and there will be blanket speed restrictions of 50mph in most places, with winds forecast to reach 90mph in some areas.
South Western Railway said a speed restriction will be in place across its entire network for most of Friday.
The UKHSA London account tweeted: “#StormEunice is expected to bring very strong winds on Friday. Be alert – listen for weather warnings and secure loose items in your garden or on balconies.
“If you must travel, take extra care as strong winds could knock down trees and pick up debris.”
