'Danger to life' warning as Storms Dudley and Eunice brings snow and 'very strong' winds to UK

Two storms which could pose a "danger to life" are both set to hit the UK this week, with warnings of winds of up to 90mph and snow for some parts of the country.

The Met Office has named two low pressure systems set to hit the UK as Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice.

Storm Dudley will cross the northern half of the UK on Wednesday night into Thursday morning, while Storm Eunice will arrive on Friday, the forecaster said.

There is currently an amber weather warning in place for the northern half of the UK on Wednesday and Thursday, meaning the weather poses a "danger to life" and is likely to cause "significant disruption".

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "An active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued."

According to forecasts, strong winds are set to cross western Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday evening, pushing eastward to northern England overnight and through to Thursday morning.

Gusts of wind of speeds between 80mph and 90mph are possible on exposed coasts and hills of Scotland, with 60mph-70mph possible further inland, the Met Office warned, with winds expected to ease through Thursday afternoon and evening.

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The next low pressure system, bringing Storm Eunice, will track across central areas of the UK on Friday, again bringing strong winds and gusts of 60mph–70mph gusts possible inland - potentially even stronger in some places.

Storm Eunice will also bring some heavy rain and the potential for "some significant snowfall" over hills in the Midlands and further north, the Met Office said.

A spokesman said: "With regard to Storm Dudley, snow will mostly be on high ground, with the highest accumulations in the Grampians.

"Lower down, any snow is likely to be short-lived but when it is coming down it is likely to be blizzard conditions."

National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.

“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.

"In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”

Watch: Rain and wind set to hit the UK on Wednesday