Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are braced for a storm spiraling in from the Atlantic, bringing gusts of up to 100 m.p.h., with forecasters warning of a danger to life.

Schools in Northern Ireland will close on Friday after a weather warning was upgraded to status red and the Met Office warned of “very dangerous conditions” ahead of Storm Éowyn. Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan confirmed the decision before noon on Thursday following an Executive meeting.

"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.

A rare, red warning has also been issued by Ireland's weather service ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn, warning of "severe, damaging and destructive gusts".

Weather experts have warned of "danger to life" conditions as Storm Eowyn prepares to unleash hurricane-force winds of up to 90mph across Britain tomorrow. Expert Nathan Rao cautioned that the fifth named storm of the season could be "a very,