Residents are being urged to stay home and train services are being cancelled after the Met Office issued the highest level of alert for Storm Eunice.

The red weather warning – the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely – has been issued due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge, which is understood to be a rare event for the UK.

Snow and extreme winter weather is expected in Scotland.

The Met Office said there is a risk of “flying debris resulting in danger to life” and “damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down”.

Storm Eunice: Public in England and Wales urged to stay at home as storm approaches