Red weather warning in place as Storm Eunice hits UK

LONDON (AA) – A rare red weather warning has been issued in Wales and southern England as Storm Eunice with strong winds hits the UK on Friday.

The warning by the Met Office, which had been in place for parts of Wales, including Cardiff, has now been extended to many parts in southern England, including London.

People are warned not to go out as winds will reach a 90 mph (144 kmh).

Th storm may cause “significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong winds,” the Met Office said.

The areas warned are Greater London, Kent, Surrey, Essex and East Sussex, as well as the coastline of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset and the south coast of Wales.

There are nearly 150 flood warnings in place across the country.

The Storm Eunice has already caused travel disruptions as many train lines are adversely affected. People have been asked to travel on Saturday by some operators, and some airports urged passengers to check the flight status beforehand.

Hundreds of homes were left with no power due to damage by strong winds in Cornwall area.

Many schools across Wales have also been closed, and students asked to remain indoors.

Some of the main attractions including the London Eye, Legoland and Warwick Castle the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, west London, and Wakehurst, West Sussex will be closed for the day.