Ireland recorded the strongest wind gusts on record as the "destructive" Storm Eowyn swept in from the Atlantic, the island's meteorological agency said.
Gusts of 183 kilometres per hour were recorded early this morning near Galway's west coast, Met Eirean in X reported, AFP reported.
The previous record of 182 kilometres per hour was recorded in 1945.
Ireland and Scotland were put on high alert ahead of Eowyn's landfall, with schools ordered to close and trains cancelled.
"This is going to be a destructive, dangerous and devastating weather event," said Keith Leonard, chairman of Ireland's National Emergency Coordination Group, warning of power cuts and urging people to stay indoors.
Britain has been placed on general alert, with UK-ruled Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland under the highest level of red alert.
A government spokesman said 4.5 million people in at-risk areas would receive telephone warnings.
Ireland's Met Office has also issued a red warning for the country.
Britain's Environment Agency has warned of flooding in southern and central England in the coming days.
Scientists argue that climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is making storms stronger, intensified by warming oceans. | BGNES
