An emergency alert has been sent to millions of people in Scotland ahead of a rare red weather warning. People with compatible mobile phones living in the 22 council areas of the country expected to be worst hit by the storm received the alert at approximately 18:00.

Storm forecasters say "a strong event cannot be ruled out" in the UK - with an explosive cyclogenesis caused by a major drop in air pressure bringing the "risk of a few tornados".

People in the areas affected by a rare red “danger to life” weather warning issued for parts of Scotland on Friday should not travel, the First Minister has announced. John Swinney said police would issue a formal do not travel notice later for the area covered by the red weather warning for wind on Friday the peak of Storm Eowyn.

Red warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland on Friday, as the dangerous Storm Éowyn heads towards the UK. The rare warnings for wind mean flying debris could cause a danger to life, with gusts up to 100mph (161km/h) along some exposed coasts.

The rare red weather warnings highlight the potential for life-threatening conditions, with wind gusts reaching up to 100mph

Tesco has announced a number of stores will be closed in Scotland tomorrow as Storm Eowyn is set to batter the country. The Met Office issued a danger to life red weather warning for tomorrow, Friday, January 24, from 10am until 5pm as the storm is expected to bring winds of up to 100mph.