Storm Eunice could bring a rare weather phenomenon known as a ‘sting jet’ to the UK with ‘very intense winds’ that pose a ‘significant risk to life.’

The jet – named after the sting in a scorpion’s tail – involves gusts of more than 100mph ripping through a small area.

It was seen during the Great Storm of October 1987, which brought down 15 million trees and claimed 18 lives.

The Met Office said the strongest winds usually take place for a short period of time, perhaps around four hours, and across an area as small as 30 miles.

Forecasters warned that if the phenomenon does occur, it can cause ‘significant damage and risk to life’.

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The jets can be spotted as they develop on satellite images, where the end of the so-called cold conveyor is marked by a hook-shaped cloud with a point.

Dr Peter Inness, meteorologist at the University of Reading, said a ‘strong jet stream’ can ‘act like a production line for storms, generating a new storm every day or two’.

He added: ‘Eunice looks like it may be able to produce a “sting jet”, a narrow, focused region of extremely strong winds embedded within the larger area of strong winds and lasting just a few hours.

‘Such events are quite rare but the 1987 “Great Storm” almost certainly produced a sting jet, and some of the more damaging wind storms since have also shown this pattern.’

He said two red warnings for wind in a single winter is very unusual for the UK, as it is more typical to get one every two or three years.

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