'Highest winds in England' recorded as Storm Eunice hits

Storm Eunice has been battering the South West today (Friday, February 18), with the storm possibly seeing the fastest wind gusts ever recorded in England.

The South West has seen high winds whip through the region as trees have been brought down and key routes closed amid 'danger to life' warnings in the region.

The storm has also reportedly seen the highest-ever winds recorded in England, with gusts of 122mph reported on the Isle of Wight earlier today.

READ MORE:Met Office weather warning upgraded to red as Storm Eunice 'weatherbomb' heads for South West

The red weather warning covering the South West has now expired, but one remains in place over London and an amber warning is still in place for much of southern and central England.

The warnings for wind warn of the following:

• Flying debris resulting in danger to life
• Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
• Uprooted trees are likely
• Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
• Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties

Storm Eunice is also forecast to cause a tidal surge along the north coast of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset on Friday, following hot on the heels of Storm Dudley on Wednesday and Thursday.

People are advised to stay away from coastal areas and keep away from shoreline roads and paths, piers and promenades.

This is a live blog. Updates can be found below.