Storm Éowyn will bring a “weather bomb” to Ireland and the UK, unleashing destructive winds and heavy rain, the Met Office forecaster said.

Yellow weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued across parts of the West Midlands ahead of Storm Éowyn. Strong wind gusts of up to 50-60mph that could leave buildings damaged and travel disruption was expected as the storm moves eastwards through Thursday,

Millions of phones will blare to the sound of a 10-second siren this evening when the Government issues an emergency alert over Storm Eowyn. The Met Office earlier issued a red danger to life warning for wind across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.

Rare red weather warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland ahead of Storm Éowyn’s arrival. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening winds of up to 100mph (161km/h) along exposed coasts,