Storm Eowyn live updates: Extreme weather brings fastest ever winds to Ireland as rain sweeps across the UK

Today the Met Office has issued red warnings for wind in Northern Ireland from 7am to 2pm, and for western and central areas of Scotland between 10am and 5pm.

Wind gusts of 130 to 140 km/h are expected inland in the warning areas, with speeds of up to 160 km/h likely along the coast, the forecaster said.

Orange wind warnings are also in force for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm today, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm today until 6am tomorrow.

Wind speeds of 100 to 120 km per hour will be widespread in these warning areas.

There is a yellow wind warning in place for most of Britain throughout the day.

Smaller yellow warnings for snow in Scotland, from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am.

Good morning and welcome to MailOnline's live coverage of Storm Eowyn.

Red, orange and yellow warnings are in force across the country as the 184km/h low pressure system hits Britain and Ireland with hurricane force winds today.

Rail operators have urged passengers not to travel in the riskiest areas, with ScotRail suspending all services across Scotland – while flights have been halted.

Stay with us throughout the day for live updates as the storm hits.