Storm Éowyn was "probably the strongest storm" to hit the UK in at least 10 years, the Met Office has said, with wind gusts in excess of 100mph (160km/h).

As Storm Eowyn sweeps its way across the UK, cancelling rail services and flights and sparking danger to life, many are wondering where its name came from

Britain is set to be battered by winds of up to 90mph from Storm Eowyn as the Met Office warned of a danger to life in parts of the country over the next few days. Very strong winds are forecast to strike the north of England, south of Scotland and North Wales.

The Met Office has issued fresh yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and strong winds in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland as Storm Eowyn continues to batter Britain.

Storm Éowyn is forecast to make landfall in Ireland late on Thursday before moving on to the rest of the UK on Friday according to Met Office models. The storm will bring gusts of 80mph to coastal areas and 60mph inland with potential for a danger to life caused by flying debris.

Some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves,” says the Met Office. Friday: the whole of the UK has Met Office warnings for wind, in Scotland snow,

The Met Office has issued several amber and yellow weather warnings over the weekend for rain and wind and said flooding to homes and businesses could occur in the warning area

With Storm Éowyn battering Britain, several social media users reacted to warnings issued by the Met Office, with comments ranging from fairly sane to absolutely nuts.

Further Met Office weather warnings for rain have been issued for Hertfordshire as the county is already under a wind alert for Storm Éowyn.