Very strong winds and widespread disruption can be expected on Friday, according to an upgraded weather warning from the Met Office.

The warning, now in place for a narrower window of 6am until 9pm on Friday (24 January) covers Preston and the wider Lancashire area.

Power cuts are likely, all forms of public transport including flights are likely to be affected and roads and bridges will likely close.

Read more: In pictures: Final look at The Sumpter Horse Inn as demolition starts

There is a chance that buildings will be damaged and that flying debris or, along the coast, large waves could cause a danger to life.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing to the northeast on Friday night.

“This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with peak gusts of 60-70 mph fairly widely inland, 70-80 mph in some areas, and 80-90 mph along more exposed coasts and hills (perhaps even higher in a few locations).

“It should be noted that there may be a slight reduction in wind strength for a time as the centre of Storm Éowyn passes overhead, this most likely in parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland, before winds rapidly increase again. Winds will gradually ease later on Friday.”

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines