Hundreds of schools will close, all trains in Scotland will be suspended and police have warned people not to travel in areas under a rare red “danger to life” weather warning for high winds issued for parts of the country on Friday.

A red weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland on Friday, as dangerous Storm Éowyn heads towards the UK. The red warning for wind, posing a danger to life, has been issued, while an amber warning is in place for parts of Scotland and the north of England,

"An Garda Síochána warns all members of the public that a Status Red severe weather warning means ‘shelter in place’. People in areas during the times affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties," said a gardai spokesperson.