The Met Office has updated the weather warning for the whole of southern England from yellow to orange for Friday.

Winds of up to 65mph are expected on Friday as Storm Eunice sweeps across southern and central England.

Eunice is closely monitoring Storm Dudley, which is blowing across the north of the country today (Wednesday) and tomorrow.

The orange warning comes into effect in the early hours of Friday at 3am and lasts until 9pm, with winds expected to reach 65mph by midday.

Explaining the upgrade to amber, the Met Office said: ‘Extremely strong winds could develop over the South West of England early on Friday, before spreading north and east during the day .

“While there is still some uncertainty in Eunice’s track, there is an increasing likelihood of widespread inland gusts of 60-70mph and up to 80mph in a few locations.

“Around the coasts of West Wales and South West England, gusts of 90 or possibly even 100 mph are possible. Winds are expected to subside in western areas in the afternoon and in the eastern areas during the evening.”

Storm Eunice can cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds and the Met Office amber warning means:

• There is a high chance that flying debris can lead to life-threatening
• Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with blown roofs and downed power lines
• Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations of bus, train, ferry services and flights
• Power outages, possibly prolonged, are likely to occur and possibly affect other services, such as cell phone coverage.
• Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to spray onto beachfronts, coastal roads and properties
• It is likely that there will be falling branches and uprooted trees