STORM OF THE CENTURY

Rare red weather alert as Britain shuts down.100mph winds to hit. Army on standby. Danger of floods, power cuts and flying debris

- Paul Jeeves

BRITAIN is on red alert with troops braced to tackle the worst storm in three decades.

A rare disaster warning urging people to stay indoors has been issued for today as Storm Eunice promises to deliver a triple whammy of 100mph gales, torrential rain and heavy blizzards.

Flooding is also expected, with the Environment Agency warning of a storm surge in coastal regions that could see a trail of death and devastation. The highest winds are expected to cause flying debris that could pose a threat to life, and may lead to power cuts.

The rare red warning covers the Southwest. An amber warning has been issued for slightly less severe winds for the Midlands and much of northern England and Wales, although these gusts could still hit 80mph.

Storm Eunice follows Storm Dudley in what has been a nightmare few days.

The first human casualty of the week’s appalling weather was claimed on Wednesday night. A man in his 60s was blown off a 12ft lorry while unloading goods in Solihull, West Midlands, it was revealed.

The Government is now planning for a severe weather disaster and an emergency Cobra response committee meeting was called yesterday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the Army on red alert as an emergency plan to deal with Britain’s worst storm in 32 years swung into action.

The PM said: “For those who have already been affected by Storm Dudley, we are offering all the support that we can. My sympathies to those who are still without power.

“We are working with the power companies, the local authorities, to get their juice restored as fast as possible. But, of course, the Army is on standby.”

Millions across the nation were warned to batten down the hatches for the second winter battering in just three days.