Met Office issues advice as Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales
Meteorologists have issued weather warnings for wind for tomorrow (Friday 24 January)
Storm Eowyn is set to batter the UK, including Wales, with strong winds and heavy rain expected.
Meteorologists have issued weather warnings for wind for tomorrow (Friday 24 January) as the fifth named storm of the season arrives.
An Amber warning's been issued for parts of North Wales on Friday, with yellow alerts in force for South Wales.
The Met Office has said a major change in the UK's weather has started today (Thursday 23 January) as heavy rain and strong gusts hit the country, caused by a powerful jet stream pushing low pressure across the Atlantic and towards the UK after a recent cold spell over North America.
The south coast of England, parts of the South West and much of the Welsh coast are covered by a yellow weather warning for wind until 6pm this evening.
Mike Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: "Storm Eowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday. There are currently a number of weather warnings in place, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday.
"Storm Eowyn is expected to cross Northern Ireland early on Friday morning. It will then continue north-east across the northern half of Scotland during Friday afternoon and is expected to be centred near Shetland during Friday evening."
National Highways, which operates motorways and major A roads in England, has urged motorists in the North West, North East and Yorkshire to plan for disruption on Friday.
It has warned of "a particularly high risk" that high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes could be blown over.
Chris Wood, a roadside technician at the AA, said: "First and foremost drivers should consider if their journey is necessary or consider waiting until the storm has passed.
"If you need to travel, choose main roads if you can, as these are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris."
Rail passengers could become stranded in the north of England on Friday as LNER has warned there will be no trains in either direction north of Newcastle from 11am on Friday.
"Services north of York will also be subject to short-notice cancellation and significant delay," an LNER spokesperson said.
"Alternative travel options will be limited due to the nature of the weather."