Met Office warns of 100mph winds as it upgrades weather alert to amber ahead of Storm Eunice

THE Met Office has upgraded its weather warning ahead of Storm Eunice from yellow to amber.

Forecasters say "extremely"strong winds will batter much of England on Friday, with gusts of up to 100mph expected around coastal areas of the south-west.

The storm, which the Met say could cause "significant disruption", will hit the south coast early on Friday before spreading north and east over the course of the day.

"There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life," said the alert. "Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.

"Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights."

The warning also predicted there is a "good chance" that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

"Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties," it stated.

"It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees."

The amber warning has been issued for between 3am and 9pm.