NOW STORM EUNICE ROARS IN AT 100MPH

RED ALERT BRINGS CAPITAL TO A HALT AS LONDONERS TOLD TO STAY AT HOME | Army on stand-by as ‘worst for generation’ storm hits country

- Ross Lydall and Nicholas Cecil

STORM Eunice ripped through London today, sparking a red alert about the “risk to life” and bringing the capital to a near-shutdown.

Londoners were ordered to stay at home as dozens of flights were cancelled, train services were axed and the M25 Dartford bridge crossing was shut. People were advised only to travel if “absolutely necessary”.

All the Royal parks, Kew Gardens and local parks were closed to prevent danger from falling trees. The London Eye, London Zoo and Emirates cable car were among the attractions closed. It came after the Met Office this morning extended a red warning, already in place in the South West, to include London and the South East, with the worst conditions including winds of up to 70mph expected until 3pm.

Walkers were advised to stay away from the Thames riverside.

Gusts of up to 92mph were recorded this morning at the Needles on the Isle of Wight, the Met Office said — amid predictions that wind spreeds could hit 100mph. P&O Ferries suspended all sailings between Dover and Calais. And Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged millions of people across England to “take precautions to keep safe”.