Storm Eowyn hour-by-hour weather forecast as it batters UK with 'exceptionally dangerous' winds

Greater Manchester is braced for strong gales and heavy rain as Storm Eowyn is set to batter the UK on Friday.

The region is expected to see winds of up to 60mph as the storm passes over, with 'widespread disruption' expected on roads and railways. It comes as a powerful jet stream pushes low pressure across the Atlantic and towards the UK after a recent cold spell over North America, bringing a 'winter weather bomb'.

Mike Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: “Storm Eowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday. There are currently a number of weather warnings in place, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday.

“Storm Eowyn is expected to cross Northern Ireland early on Friday morning. It will then continue north-east across the northern half of Scotland during Friday afternoon and is expected to be centred near Shetland during Friday evening.”

Gusts of up to 90mph are more likely to be found along the more exposed coastal areas in the UK, while winds of between 60 to 70mph are expected inland, with forecasters warning the gusts will be 'exceptionally dangerous'.

National Highways, which operates motorways and major A roads in England, has urged motorists in the North West, North East and Yorkshire to plan for disruption on Friday. It has warned of “a particularly high risk” that high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes could be blown over.

The whole country is covered by at least one yellow weather warning on Friday, with warnings for snow, wind and rain in place. The strongest winds are due to hit the north of England, south of Scotland and North Wales, where an amber wind warning is in place from 6am to 9pm on Friday – but