More schools in the Salisbury area have decided to remain close today as storm Eunice prepares to sweep across the UK.

Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Amesbury and St Osmund's Catholic Primary School in Salisbury are shut this Friday (February 18) due to the current weather forecast.

Burgate School and Sixth Form, on Salisbury Road, are also closed, as is Avon Valley Academy, St Joseph's Catholic School, Sarum Academy and all the other schools in the Magna Learning Partnership.

UPDATE from Friday February 18: Weather warning for parts of south Wiltshire upgraded from amber to red

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A red weather warning – the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely – has been issued by the Met Office in parts of the country due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge, which is understood to be a rare event for the UK.

The Met Office said there is a risk of “flying debris resulting in danger to life” and “damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down”.

The warning covers the coastline of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset as well as the south coast of Wales and will be in effect from 7am until 12pm on Friday.

In Salisbury, an amber weather warning, the second highest alert level, for wind is in place from 5am to 9pm.

Forecasters say the city could see winds of up to 70-80mph.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.

“The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.

“Although the most exposed coastal areas in the south and west could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 70-80mph for most within the amber warning area.”

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