Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are braced for a storm spiraling in from the Atlantic, bringing gusts of up to 100 m.p.h., with forecasters warning of a danger to life.

Schools in Northern Ireland will close on Friday after a weather warning was upgraded to status red and the Met Office warned of “very dangerous conditions” ahead of Storm Éowyn. Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan confirmed the decision before noon on Thursday following an Executive meeting.

"An Garda Síochána warns all members of the public that a Status Red severe weather warning means ‘shelter in place’. People in areas during the times affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties," said a gardai spokesperson.