Machibet AffiliateStorm Eunice tears the O2 Arena in London to SHREDS with 1,000 people evacuated as 122mph winds batter Britain | The Sun - Machibet777 Live

STORM Eunice has ripped the O2 Arena in London to shreds with 1,000 people evacuated as Britain is battered by killer 122mph winds.

The storm has wreaked destruction in just hours, downing power lines and uprooting trees with Brits told to stay at home in urgent alerts.

Around 1,000 people were evacuated as the wind ripped off the roofCredit: PA

The white sheeting was torn to shreds in the stormCredit: PA

The roof of the O2 has been ripped off as the capital is ravaged by strong windsCredit: PA

The O2 was battered by Storm EuniceCredit: Ben Hubbard

Around 1,000 people were evacuated as London Fire Brigade confirmed firefighters had been called out to a "partial roof collapse" at the venue.

Station Commander Chris Kamara said: "Firefighters cordoned off the area to ensure no one was injured by any further falling debris.

"There has been no actual collapse or structural damage to the building, but due to the nature of the canvas material which covers The O2, it has come loose in high winds and looks quite dramatic.

"Crews have made the scene safe and The O2 is now closed until further notice."

Video footage showed the arena's roof sheeting flapping in the wind with at least six panels reportedly ripped off.

The world famous building, formerly known as the Millennium Dome, hosts major events including concerts and features restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema.

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Eyewitness Mala Sharma said "more and more parts are getting ripped off" as the capital is lashed by the storm's wild winds.

She said: "It's going to be a safety issue for people around."

Mala said that it happened "right in front of my eyes" and the damage "started off with a patch" but then a "chunk" of the dome roof ripped off.

The arena has since announced it will be closed for the rest of the day after storm damage to the roof.

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A spokesperson added: "Due to today's adverse weather conditions, we can confirm that there has been some damage caused to the tent fabric in our roof at The O2.

"The affected areas have been cleared and The O2 will remain closed for the rest of the day.

"The safety of our visitors remains of paramount importance, and we will continue to assess the ongoing situation and act accordingly."

The severe weather conditions, which sparked two rare red weather warnings, include "danger to life" cautions about the risk of "flying debris".

Roads are also shut across the UK, and airports have cancelled hundreds of flights amid the chaos.

Forecasters initially issued amber warnings for wind - but these were today upgraded to red following the destruction caused by Storm Dudley on Wednesday.

The two red warnings for wind are in force for southern England - one covering the south east from Ipswich to Portsmouth, including London, and the other stretching from Cardiff down to the furthest tip of Cornwall.

It is the first time such a warning has been issued in the capital, sparking the London Mayor to urge Brits to batten down the hatches and stay inside.

Sadiq Khan said: "Storm Eunice will bring damaging winds which pose a risk to life today.

"Please stay at home, do not take risks, and do not travel unless absolutely essential."

The worst-hit region - the Isle of Wight - this morning recorded wind gusts of 122mph - even stronger than the Great Storm of 1987 when 18 people were killed.

Speeds of 120mph were recorded during the battering 35 years ago after forecaster Michael Fish wrongly denied claims a hurricane was going to hit.

Today's gales are believed to be the highest ever recorded in England, with only two stronger gusts in Scotland in 1989 and 1986.

Now, soldiers are bracing for deployment in hardest-hit regions with Brits hunkering down at home as they are told to avoid travel and work from home where possible.

And a major incident has been declared in Suffolk, while 55,000 homes, farms and businesses woke up to no power in Ireland this morning while another 85,000 houses were left in the dark across England and Wales.

Airports across the UK have been issuing warnings to passengers to check their flights and to arrive early if they are going ahead.

London City Airport has cancelled all flights until 4.30pm, while a large number of flights have been cancelled at London Heathrow.

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British Airways cancelled at least 114 departures and 118 arrivals at Heathrow on Friday.

The major airport urged passengers to keep up to date with the latest information as “high winds and poor weather can cause last-minute delays”.

And Royal Mail has suspended deliveries in all areas where a red weather warning is in place.

A spokesman said: "In areas for which the Met Office has issued a red warning, we have had no choice but to suspend deliveries and close our delivery offices.

"In areas covered by an amber warning, we are assessing risk based on local knowledge, and will keep services running where possible.

"We will be reviewing the situation throughout the day, while continuing to prioritise the safety of our staff and customers."

Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned more windy weather on Saturday could hamper clear-up efforts in the aftermath of Storm Eunice.

While gusts are not forecast to be as strong as today, their timing could cause issues for much of the UK.

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for 6am on Saturday until 6pm, affecting the south and south west coast of England, Herefordshire and much of Wales.