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As Storm Darragh sweeps across the UK, millions of people in Wales and parts of south-west England are being urged to stay indoors, with weather warnings in place and the threat of dangerous conditions.
Forecasters have warned of life-threatening winds, with gusts of up to 90 mph expected, prompting the Met Office to issue a rare red warning—its highest-level alert—until 11:00 GMT on Saturday.
The red weather warning applies to parts of western and southern Wales, as well as the Bristol Channel coast. The alert, which is in place from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday, is considered the most severe issued by the Met Office, warning of significant disruption and potential damage to property, power lines, and infrastructure. The storm is expected to cause substantial damage, with roofs potentially being torn off, trees uprooted, and widespread power outages.
Storm Darragh is one of the most severe weather events to hit the UK in recent years, with life-threatening winds, widespread disruption, and the risk of significant damage to infrastructure. The Met Office’s red weather warning has prompted authorities to cancel numerous events, close key attractions, and urge millions of people to stay at home. As the storm continues to move across the country, residents in affected areas need to heed safety warnings, stay informed, and prepare for potential power outages and travel disruptions.
Emergency Alert Issued to Millions:
On Friday evening, the UK government issued an emergency alert to around three million people living in the affected areas. The alert, which caused mobile phones to emit a loud siren-like sound, urged residents to stay indoors and gather essential items such as torches, batteries, and power banks in preparation for potential power cuts.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of western England, lasting until Saturday morning. Meanwhile, yellow warnings for rain and snow are in effect for other parts of the UK, with Scotland bracing for heavy snowfall and rain. Some areas could see up to 20cm of snow, with localized flooding expected in regions already impacted by previous storms.
Major Disruptions Across the UK:
The storm has already begun to cause major disruptions. Bristol Airport warned passengers of possible flight cancellations due to adverse conditions, and Cardiff Airport announced that it would not operate flights during the red warning period. Both the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and the M48 Severn Bridge have been closed due to high winds.
In Wales, all football and rugby matches scheduled for Saturday, including Cardiff City’s Championship fixture against Watford, have been canceled. Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park and several other events, such as Christmas markets in Northern Ireland, have also been called off as a safety precaution.
Storm Darragh’s Impact on Local Attractions:
Notable closures include Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, which announced it would be closing to visitors on Saturday due to the weather forecast. The park, home to animals such as lions, elephants, and aardvarks, reassured the public that it would reopen on Sunday unless conditions change.
Preparation and Safety Advice:
As Storm Darragh continues to batter the UK, experts are advising people to take extra precautions. The RAC has urged drivers to avoid traveling, particularly on exposed rural and coastal routes. Those who must drive should reduce their speed, stay alert for debris on the road, and avoid parking under large trees due to the risk of falling branches.
For homeowners, securing outdoor items such as garden furniture and trampolines is critical to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles. People in the affected areas should also prepare for potential power cuts, which could affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
Storm Darragh’s Impact on Local Communities:
In Staffordshire, some residents reported what they believed to be a mini-tornado, with powerful winds causing extensive damage to roofs, fences, and trees. Areas such as Clayton and Kidsgrove experienced brief but intense gusts that caused widespread damage, leaving neighbors assessing the aftermath.
Reports from across the UK have highlighted the potential danger to life posed by flying debris, falling trees, and large waves along the coast. Forecasters warn that the storm could cause extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, with some buildings potentially having their roofs torn off and power lines brought down.
A Historic Storm Season:
Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of the 2024/25 season, following storms Bert and Conall, which brought severe flooding to parts of the UK last month. While these storms have caused significant disruption, Darragh’s extreme wind speeds and its red weather warning make it one of the most dangerous storms of the year.
The UK has experienced a number of severe weather events in recent years, including Storm Eunice in February 2022, which saw winds exceeding 80 mph, and Storm Arwen in November 2021, which caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The red warning issued for Darragh highlights the seriousness of the situation, urging people to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
