Amber warning for West Berkshire as Storm Eunice set to wreak havoc on Friday

The Met Office has upgraded the weather warning for the whole of the South of England from yellow to amber for Friday.

Winds of up to 65mph are expected on Friday as Storm Eunice sweeps across the whole of the South and central parts of England.

Eunice follows hot on the heels of Storm Dudley, which is blowing in across northern parts of the country today (Wednesday) and tomorrow.

The amber warning comes into force in the early hours of Friday, 3am and lasts until 9pm, with winds expecting to get up to 65mph in the middle of the day.

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

"Whilst there is still some uncertainty in the track of Eunice, there is an increasing likelihood of widespread inland wind gusts of 60-70mph and up to 80mph in a few places.

"Around coasts of West Wales and South West England, gusts of 90 or possibly even 100mph are possible. Winds are expected to ease across western areas through the afternoon, and eastern areas during the evening."

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

• There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
• Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
• Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
• There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
• It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees