Record high winds from Storm Eowyn battered Ireland and Northern Ireland on Friday, leaving 560,000 homes and businesses without power and forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the closure of schools and public transport.

Experts warn the explosive "bomb cyclone" will bring deadly winds, heavy rain and snow and is expected to cause widespread disruption across the UK. A wind speed of 114mph brought by Storm Eowyn has been recorded in Ireland, the fastest since records began, forecaster Met Eireann said.

Forecasters have warned Storm Eowyn could be 'exceptionally dangerous' as the Met Office issued an upgraded amber weather warning for a large section of the UK on Friday. Amber and yellow weather warnings are in place for Friday into Saturday,