Councils across the UK have been forced to suspend public services, close schools and provide emergency help for rough sleepers due to Storm Eunice.

The Met Office has issued rare red weather warnings due to expected 'damaging and disruptive' winds that could be a danger to life.

A number of councils have suspended bin collections today over fears for staff and resident safety, including Bristol and Dorset councils, and Newport and Southampton city councils.

Newport leader Jane Mudd said: 'This has been described as an historic event and is potentially the most severe storm for 30 years. 

'For this reason we are suspending some services and closing some of our buildings.

'This is not a decision that is taken lightly.'

Other measures being taken by councils include closing leisure and tourism facilities, pausing street cleansing, closing recycling centres and suspending school transport services.

Many councils including Bristol City Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Somerset CC have also closed schools for the day.

Environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, Cllr David Renard, said: 'Council staff continue to work around-the-clock to ensure the safety of residents, homes and businesses, shore up flood defences, and protect road networks and power supplies as much as possible.'