Storm Eowyn is set to be the worst storm to hit Northern Ireland in many years, and you can get updates direct to your phone on this major weather event from Belfast Live. We will providing updates on our WhatsApp group as the storm hurtles right across the Island of Ireland on Friday.

This is the first red warning issued for Northern Ireland since the impact based warning system was introduced in 2011. The Met Office has warned that “widespread disruption” is expected.

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As things stand, the red warning for Northern Ireland is due to come into effect in Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, Antrim, Down and Armagh from 7am to 2pm.

The Department of Education announced on Thursday that all schools will close on Friday, with the brunt of the storm to hit Northern Ireland during school hours.

In a statement, the education minister Paul Givan said: “A red weather warning has been issued for Storm Éowyn and the Education Authority has advised that all schools should close tomorrow.

“I understand this will impact on the work of schools and indeed on other businesses and services, but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff. Schools should put plans in place today for remote learning so that pupils can study at home.”

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BelfastLive – Co Tyrone