Storm forecasters say "a strong event cannot be ruled out" in the UK - with an explosive cyclogenesis caused by a major drop in air pressure bringing the "risk of a few tornados".
A rare red alert for "very strong" wind has been issued for parts of the UK ahead of Storm Eowyn.
The alert, which covers all of Northern Ireland from 7am on Friday until 2pm, and parts of Scotland from 10am to 5pm, warns of "very dangerous conditions" and "widespread disruption".
Tornados could also hit parts of the UK today, ahead of the storm, with forecasters warning of a danger to life.
The Met Office said changing conditions could trigger an explosive cyclogenesis - or weather bomb - with strong winds, rain, snow and gusts of up to 90mph expected on Friday.
The red alert is the Met Office's most serious warning and means the weather is likely to cause "substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure", according to the agency.
A series of amber and yellow warnings have also been put in place, threatening injuries and a danger to life.
Ahead of the strong gusts, all schools in Northern Ireland have been advised to close on Friday by the Education Authority.
Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan said: "I understand this will impact on the work of schools and indeed on other businesses and services, but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff.
"Schools should put plans in place today for remote learning so that pupils can study at home."
The record for a gust in Northern Ireland is 124mph in Kilkeel, Co Down, in January 1974.
Across the border, Met Eireann has issued a rare nationwide red warning for wind across the Republic of Ireland, describing possible "danger to life".
Irish premier Simon Harris has warned there is an "extreme" risk to life.
He said he had been briefed on the storm approaching Ireland from midnight, adding: "Storm Eowyn is dangerous, destructive and damaging.
"We cannot give a higher warning than nationwide red. The risk to life is extreme and real.
"You need to pay attention. Do not travel. Do not go near the sea."
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