Ireland and Northern Ireland braced for a storm that officials warned could be one of the most dangerous they have faced when it hits early on Friday, forcing the closure of schools, universities and public transport.

Storm Éowyn will bring a “weather bomb” to Ireland and the UK, unleashing destructive winds and heavy rain, the Met Office forecaster said.

Check that vulnerable and older people have everything that they need in advance of Storm Eowyn setting in.” Eoin Sherlock, head of forecasting at Met Eireann, said red natio