[H1]LIVE UPDATES: A red warning has been issued as Storm Eustice strikes Hitchin and surrounding areas today, Friday (February 17).[H1]

This means there will be 'a danger to life' with winds of between 70mph to 80mph expected throughout the day in our area.

The storm means people are advised to take extra care when travelling, with an expectation of widescale disruption, as well as serious risks from flying debris.

[H2]Hitchin wind speeds[H2]

According to the Met Office winds rose above 30mph at 3am and will be around 50mph by 9am.

Wind speeds from Storm Eunice are expected to reach peak speed in Hitchin by 12pm midday when they are forecast to reach 73mph but could be up to 80mph according to earlier reports.

After midday, wind speeds will slowly fall to around 50mph at 3pm, and then to 35mph by 11pm

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[H2]Stay up to date with the latest news throughout the day with our live blog[H2]

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734am As Hitchin Nub News has reported Hitchin Market has been cancelled today so please do not travel to the town centre in expectation of the market being on - it's not. Read more here

748am People in our have been told to stay at home with major travel disruption set to occur. This is what reported from Govia Thameslink and LNER - read more here

756am We've been reporting on Storm Eunice since Monday. This is what we wrote about it five days ago here. Nub News: First with the news in our area

817am News reaches us that Hitchin's iconic St Mary's Church has been closed due to Storm Eunice. Read more here

836am Here's what we know about Storm Eunice so far

936am to 1234pm Hitchin Nub News has been out and about in our town including posting live video from the top of Windmill Hill. Click here to watch

1240pm To give you an indication of how powerful Storm Eunice is in our area a metal sign at a bus stop near to #Hitchin St Mary's has been bent backwards. View it here

1246pm Here's the latest from Alex Woodman, director of community protection and chief fire officer for Hitchin. He says in an update: "We recommend people follow the guidance from the Met Office and take this weather warning seriously. Try to secure anything on your property such as trampolines and loose fence panels to prevent them blowing away and causing a hazard. Only travel if is really necessary and please put your safety first by staying at home where possible."

251pm Hitchin Nub News has just filed a story that underlines the treacherous power of nature after Storm Eunice brought a 100-year-old beech tree crashing down onto a Hitchin street while leaving a telegraph pole leaning dangerously. Read the full story here with photographs

538pm We've been working 'over the border' at our sister site Letchworth Nub News this afternoon covering the storm felling trees and fences. Read our round-up here