Met Office maps show where Storm Eowyn weather warnings will hit ...

Storm Eowyn is set to hit the UK with strong winds on Friday and into Saturday, the Met Office has said, with yellow weather warnings issued for most of the country.

The forecaster warned that the winds will lead to disruptions such as damage to buildings, power cuts, and flying debris that could threaten lives.

They also said Eowyn will disrupt travel, with road, rail, airports and ferries likely to be affected.

This weekend, the UK could see "perhaps the strongest winds of the winter so far", the forecasting service said.

Eowyn, the fifth named storm of the season and the first of 2025, could bring winds of 90mph or even higher in the worst affected areas. Here's what we know so far.

When will Storm Eowyn hit the UK?

Storm Eowyn is expected to make landfall in Ireland on Thursday before moving onto Great Britain on Friday when a yellow weather warning comes into effect.

"Storm Eowyn will bring a period of very unsettled, potentially disruptive, weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday", Met Office spokeswoman Andrea Bishop said.

“The system will begin to influence the UK’s weather on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in north-western parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall.

“Updates to our current warnings will follow shortly and the forecast details are likely to be fine-tuned during the week, so stay tuned to your local forecast and keep up to date with Met Office warnings via our website and app.”

The change to conditions is being caused by a powerful jet stream pushing low pressure across the Atlantic and towards the UK, following a recent cold spell over North America, the Met Office said.

Which Met Office weather warnings are in place?

Yellow weather warnings for wind have been issued for all of the UK except for London and parts of the South East.

Three warnings will run throughout Friday begin to ease in the south, with an additional yellow warning in place for all of Scotland continuing until 3pm on Saturday.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place in Northern Ireland and northwestern Scotland from midnight on Friday until midday Saturday.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the Met Office said winds could reach 60-70mph inland and 80-90mph along some coasts and hills – perhaps even higher in a few locations – in the North of England, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Elsewhere, winds are expected to range between 50mph and 70mph. Wind strength is expected to gradually ease through Saturday from the south, the forecaster added.

Another area of low pressure could bring further wet and very windy weather across the UK by Sunday, the Met Office said.

There is the potential for further weather warnings over the weekend and throughout next week, the forecaster added.

The last named storm to hit the country this season, Storm Darragh, on 6 December, saw a rare red warning issued, with winds peaking at 96mph at Barry Head in Devon.

What is the Storm Eowyn pronunciation?

For those of you wondering, no, it is not an Irish spelling of the name "Owen".

The Met Office's Andrea Bishop said during a forecast of the storm that the name is pronounced: "Ay-oh-win."

How to prepare for stormy weather

Issuing guidance to those affected by the yellow warning area, the Met Office advises people to check for loose items outside their homes and think about how to secure them to protect their property.

This could include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

Travellers should give themselves the best possible chance by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, to avoid delays.

Stocking up on torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essentials will help in the event of a power cut.

Those near the coast should take care if walking near cliffs, should be sure of the route they are taking and should keep dogs on a lead. Even from the shore, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea, the Met Office warns.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly, the forecaster adds, advising people to stay up to date with forecasts in their area.

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