A red weather warning has been issued by the Met Office with all schools across Northern Ireland required to close on Friday. The alert is due to come into force at 7am on January 24 and will remain in force until 2pm on the same day. Yellow and amber weather warnings for wind have also been issued.

Hundreds of schools will close and police have warned people not to travel in the areas affected by a rare red “danger to life” high wind weather warning issued for parts of Scotland on Friday. Forecasters warn gusts of up to 100mph could result in flying debris and pose a danger to life,