The Red Alert relates to south-west England, from the extreme west of Cornwall to Cardiff in southern Wales, with winds that can reach up to 145 degrees.
Apart from this, the entire South of England including London is on Orange Alert. The capital, where winds can reach 130, closes many parks and the famous Ferris wheel “London Eye”.
The storm could leave “life-threatening flying debris”, “damaged buildings and homes with cracked roofs and collapsed electrical wires”, warned the Meteorological Service.
It can also lead to the closure of roads, railways and bridges, as well as delays or cancellations of buses, trains and ferries.
A railway spokesman has canceled all Friday trains in Wales, citing the safety of passengers and staff.
The rail network also advises passengers to “rethink their travel plans”, stressing that train speeds will be reduced to 80 in most cases, while airports recommend checking the status of flights.
“Of course, the army is ready,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday during a visit to the Royal Air Force Base.
The Weather Service also issued 10 “severe” flood warnings.
Because of the situation, Prince Charles has canceled his official appointment to South Wales on Friday, as informed by his services, who hope to postpone it “to a later date”.
Another storm, Dudley, made minor disturbances in Scotland and northern England after hitting the UK on Wednesday.
