Storm Eunice school closures – full list of classrooms shut as 100mph winds to batter Britain
HUNDREDS of schools have been shut across the UK today as Storm Eunice is set to batter Britain with 100mph winds and torrential rain.
Pupils have been told to stay at home as forecasters fear the storm could be the worst to hit the country in 30 years.
The severe weather front was upgraded to a red "danger to life" warning following the destruction caused by Storm Dudley on Wednesday night.
An emergency Cobra meeting has been called today with ministers due to meet in Whitehall to thrash out a response to the mega gale.
Soldiers are also on standby as Eunice threatens blow off roofs, bring down power lines and send dangerous debris flying.
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And dozens of councils have ordered schools to shut and move to online learning.
Many schools England are already on half term, but most of the south west is not due to start the February break until next week.
In Bristol and Wales, likely to be two of the hardest-hit areas, schools have been forced to shut today over fears pupils and teachers could be in danger.
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WALES
Most schools in Wales have been forced to close as the area prepares to be battered by Eunice.
Cardiff, Ceredigion, Bridgend County, Swansea, Powys and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils said all schools will remain shut - and some schools in Newport will also be closed to pupils.
Dozens of schools in Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham will also be shut and schools in Anglesey, North Wales will also remain closed.
Rob Stewart, leader of City and County of Swansea Council, has warned the storm a "really dangerous situation" as schools in the area close for 36,000 pupils.
Mr Stewart said the decision to have pupils attend lessons remotely was made on Thursday as the area readies for extreme weather conditions.
He told Sky News: "I mean it is, unfortunately, a combination that we are dealing with of heavy rain over the last few days which has swelled the rivers, we've got high tides at the moment and, of course, this very, very rare red-rated storm so we're as prepared as we can be but it is looking very dangerous for the next few hours."
He added: "We've given safety messages and, again, I would repeat those.
"If people are choosing to venture out today, stay away from our coastal lines, stay away from our rivers, do not put yourself in danger, stay at home if you can and work from home if you can so, you know, this is a really dangerous situation."
HAMPSHIRE
A major incident has been declared by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum ahead of severe disruption.
Many schools and colleges in the area have made the decision to shut their doors for the day to keep staff and pupils safe from the gale.
Schools and nurseries in Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Havant and Basingstoke have been closed.
Police in Hampshire have warned people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
The cops said: "Emergency services, local authorities, National Highways and other voluntary and statutory agencies are on stand-by to put well-rehearsed plans into place."
SUFFOLK
Dozens of Suffolk schools will be shut entirely today as the area braces for the storm - but some are also moving to remote learning.
Headteachers have made the decision to close as Eunice was upgraded to a red warning in the southern half of the county.
SOMERSET
Storm Eunice has been declared a major incident by Avon and Somerset over the "potential for severe disruption" to the region.
The forum, whose members include the emergency services, health services, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Environment Agency, said members of the public should avoid travelling on Friday morning "wherever possible".
In a statement, they said the 90mph gusts could "cause coastal flooding and affect trees and temporary structures".
It means all schools, colleges and other council services in the area will be shut on Friday.
BRISTOL
Several Bristol schools have also been shut as the area braces for the storm.
The Bristol Channel is expected to bear the brunt of Eunice's wrath.
Bristol City Council has advised schools to close today due to the severe weather conditions and difficulties with travel.
ISLES OF SCILLY
The only primary school on the Isles of Scilly will be closed for the day.
The Five Islands Academy was advised to shut down by the police.
CORNWALL
Dozens of schools across Cornwall have closed today as Eunice prepares to lash the coast.
Coastal communities have prepared for flooding and many headteachers have decided they can not guarantee the safety of pupils and staff - especially travelling to and from school.
Superintendent Adrian Leisk, strategic lead for roads policing in Devon and Cornwall, said: "Please do not travel in your vehicle unless your journey is absolutely necessary.
"If you can stay or work at home, then please do - particularly in the morning when the red weather warning is in place."
DEVON
Devon is set to be one of the hardest hit areas, with waves up to 22ft high expected on the coast.
Nearly 300 primary and secondary schools have now been shut by Devon County Council.
SUSSEX
All schools in West Sussex have been told the close for the day due to the severe weather conditions.
The council said: "All West Sussex schools have been asked to close today due to Storm Eunice.
"Families will be informed via the usual way if a nursery or other childcare setting has closed."
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
All 239 schools across Buckinghamshire have now been told to close as the strong winds rip across parts of the county.
OXFORDSHIRE
The county council in Oxfordshire said many schools have been forced to close due to the severe weather.
BERKSHIRE
All schools and colleges in Reading have been urged to close by the council.
And the University of Reading said it was closing its three campuses "due to the risk of Storm Eunice to our community".
SCOTLAND
Scotland is expected to be lashed by Eunice on Friday with a yellow weather warning in place for snow until 6pm.
Forecasters have anticipated blizzards to hit large parts of the country - with up to 20cm of snowfall expected in some parts.
Dozens of schools have already taken measures to shut their doors ahead of the severe weather.
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In Aberdeenshire more than 30 schools were closed due to the forecast heavy snow.
And it's expected more schools will follow suit.
