Millions of mobile phones receive urgent emergency alert as 'danger to life' warning issued
WATCH: UK Emergency Alert - How do you turn off the Government's mobile alert?
GB NEWS
Almost five million Britons received an Emergency Alert on their phones this evening in the largest real-life use of the system in its history.
A statement from the Cabinet Office earlier today confirmed that some 4.5 million people across the UK would be sent the warning "in light of the deteriorating weather conditions" - while the Met Office has issued a series of red, amber and yellow weather warnings as Storm Eowyn closes in.
For around 10 seconds at 6pm, mobile phones made a "loud siren-like sound", even if they are set on silent, the Cabinet Office said.
The full Government statement reads: "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.
This evening's alert will be the fifth ever use of the Emergency Alerts system
GETTY
"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 10 seconds.
LATEST AS BRITAIN BRACES FOR STORM EOWYN:
The alert will be broadcast at 6pm across areas covered by red wind warnings
MET OFFICE
"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."
Across Scotland, some 22 areas were sent the alert - 69 per cent of all authorities in the country.
The full list of authorities impacted reads:
- 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;
- West Dunbartonshire.
A road sign displaying a red weather warning for Friday on Calder Road, Edinburgh
PA
While in Northern Ireland, residents in all six counties received the alert - just under two months after it was last rolled out in the UK amid Storm Darragh.
Across the areas covered by the red warnings, the Met Office has told Britons to brace for "flying debris resulting in danger to life".
A warning issued by forecasters reads: "Keep yourself and others safe; avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions. It is not safe to drive in these conditions.
"Don't risk injury to others or damage to your property. If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences."
This evening's alert is the fifth ever use of the Emergency Alerts system.
And it comes just days after the Cabinet Office announced that it will conduct a national test of the Emergency Alert System later in 2025.
That test's specific date will be announced in due course.
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