Storm Eunice is set to batter the UK with 100mph gales less than 48 hours after Storm Dudley left thousands of homes without power.
Forecasters have warned Friday’s storm could be the worst in 30 years, potentially eclipsing the 1990 Burns Day Storm that brought wind speeds of 107mph to Aberporth in Wales.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for most of the UK, including a “danger to life” warning, as fierce winds are likely to cause flying debris and high waves.
An “amber” warning for high winds currently covers most of England, but this may be upgraded to a rare “red” warning, the most severe issued by the forecaster when it is “very likely” dangerous conditions will cause a risk to life, as Storm Eunice approaches.
Snow warnings are also in place for the northeast of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as Eunice is expected to bring heavy snow and blizzard conditions.
The storm, which is likely to be even more damaging than Storm Dudley, will also bring stronger winds, with gales expected to reach up to 90mph in the South West and South Wales – and up to 100mph in coastal regions.
It comes after a gust of 101mph was recorded on the mountain top of Aonach Mor, near Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, on Wednesday night.
Northern Powergrid said about 4,000 people were still without power at 9pm on Wednesday after Storm Dudley caused travel chaos and destruction.
National Rail on Thursday said dozens of train companies had been affected in the north of England, the Midlands, Wales and across most of Scotland, including LNER, Transport for Wales and ScotRail as wind and rain caused trees to be uprooted and debris blown on to tracks.
It added that due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Bedford and St Albans, some lines are currently blocked on the East Midlands Railway and Thameslink lines.
ScotRail said passenger services had been withdrawn until about 10am on Thursday, with the exception of a number including between Aberdeen and Inverness, Edinburgh to Dunbar and Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High.
London North East Railway (LNER) has also warned customers with tickets for journeys between York and Leeds and London King’s Cross on Friday to move them to Thursday instead due to expected disruption and damage.
The Environment Agency has warned of the risk of flooding in southern England on Friday.
Flood duty manager Katharine Smith said agency teams were making preparations, erecting barriers and clearing screens where flood debris can build up.
ScotRail said passenger services had been withdrawn until about 10am on Thursday, with the exception of a number including between Aberdeen and Inverness, Edinburgh to Dunbar and Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High.
London North East Railway (LNER) has also warned customers with tickets for journeys between York and Leeds and London King’s Cross on Friday to move them to Thursday instead due to expected disruption and damage.
The Environment Agency has warned of the risk of flooding in southern England on Friday.
Flood duty manager Katharine Smith said agency teams were making preparations, erecting barriers and clearing screens where flood debris can build up.
Additional reporting by Press Association
