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".

The UK and Ireland are bracing for Storm Éowyn, with rare red weather warnings issued across Scotland and Northern Ireland, predicting gusts of up to 100mph (161km/h). Millions of residents received emergency alerts on Thursday, urging them to stay home and prepare for potential life-threatening conditions.