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.

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.

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

Winds of up to 100mph are forecast during Storm Éowyn with a large part of Scotland's central belt and the south west under a red "danger to life" weather warning. Almost all schools have been closed ahead of the red alert,

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.