Emergency alert sees phones emit 'loud siren' ahead of Storm Eowyn

An emergency alert has been sent to phones across the UK amid Storm Eowyn bringing a “danger to life” across parts of the country.

The sound and vibration lasted for around ten seconds and was sent to all phones in the areas at most risk at around 6pm on Thursday – even if they were on silent.

It was the first live use of the emergency alert system in Scotland after the UK-wide system was tested in April last year.

Schools closed, transport cancelled and people told to stay indoors ahead of Storm Eowyn

The Met Office is forecasting “flying debris resulting in danger to life” and the message will contain information and guidance on how to stay safe during the red warning.

Live

Emergency red alert as hurricane force Storm Eowyn to hit Scotland

The Met Office issued a red weather warning for Friday as very strong winds are expected to disrupt the country.

All schools across central Scotland will be closed on Friday including in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Renfrewshire. Councils confirmed all nurseries, primaries and secondaries will be shut.

ScotRail has suspended all train services and CalMac has cancelled all ferry sailings on Friday with disruption to transport expected across the country.

People have been urged to stay indoors and not travel under what has been described as “exceptional circumstances” by STV meteorologist Sean Batty.

The notification at 6pm will be the first live use of the emergency alert system in Scotland and the largest use of the tool to date.

More than four and a half million people are expected to receive the alert, with people in 22 areas across Scotland to be notified.

They are: Clackmannanshire; Falkirk; Fife; Stirling; Dumfries & Galloway; East Lothian; Edinburgh; Midlothian Council; Scottish Borders; West Lothian; Argyll and Bute; East Ayrshire; East Dunbartonshire; East Renfrewshire; Glasgow; Inverclyde; North Ayrshire; North Lanarkshire; Renfrewshire; South Ayrshire; South Lanarkshire; and West Dunbartonshire.

A Cabinet Office Spokesperson said: “The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind on Friday, January 24 meaning there is a danger to life across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.

“In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue Emergency Alerts early this evening to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.

“The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the areas at most risk, containing information about the weather warnings and guidance on how to stay safe.

“Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about ten seconds.

“Approximately 4.5 million people will receive the Emergency Alert in the largest real-life use of the tool to date.

“The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”