Sadiq Khan has urged all Londoners to stay at home after a red weather warning was issued in the capital amid Storm Eunice.

The rare highest alert – meaning a high impact is very likely – runs from 10am until 3pm on Friday due to fears of the storm “causing significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong winds”, the Met Office said.

The warning covering Greater London, Kent, Surrey, Essex and East Sussex joined an earlier red weather warning starting from 7am along the coastline of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset as well as the south coast of Wales due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge.

Mayor Khan echoed TfL’s advice to avoid non-essential travel in the capital.

He said: “I urge all Londoners to stay at home, do not take risks, and do not travel unless it is absolutely essential.

“City Hall is in close contact with key agencies across the capital and our city is as prepared as possible for any potential impacts of Storm Eunice.

“However, it is vital that Londoners listen to the official advice today and stay at home until the storm has passed.”

Schools, roads and businesses have shut, with major disruption to the travel network due to concerns over flying debris caused by gusts of up to 90mph.

Rail companies operating in south east London have advised passengers not to travel on their services.

Southeastern and Southern both anticipate significant disruption throughout the day, with delays and cancellations expected due to trees and debris blowing onto the tracks.

Greenwich Park is also closed throughout the day to ensure public safety.

Several red warnings were issued in late February and early March 2018 during the so-called “Beast from the East”, the storm that brought widespread heavy snow and freezing temperatures to many parts of the UK.

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