Millions Urged to Stay Indoors as Storm Darragh Hits UK and Ireland
Millions of people across the UK and Ireland have been urgently advised to remain indoors as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc with gusts of up to 93mph. This rare red “danger to life” warning for wind has been extended over much of Wales and certain parts of the South West as the fourth named storm of the season makes its presence known across the UK.
Government’s Warning and Impact
The government took proactive measures by sending out a text alert to roughly three million individuals prior to the storm’s landfall. Storm Darragh initially made its impact on Ireland before moving towards the British Isles, prompting officials to caution residents about the impending disruption. The alert explicitly instructed people to “stay indoors if you can” due to the hazardous driving conditions caused by the storm.
Gusts of up to 93mph were recorded in Capel Curig, North Wales, while Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula experienced winds at a staggering 92mph. The powerful storm also brought winds exceeding 80mph to various regions in Wales, with gusts reaching 77mph in Northern Ireland and the South West of England, according to the Met Office.
Expert Insights and Widespread Power Outages
Tom Morgan, a meteorologist at the Met Office, highlighted that the storm reached its peak around 7am, with the potential for even higher wind speeds later in the morning. At present, the cyclone’s center, characterized by calmer winds, resides in the North East of the affected areas.
The severe weather conditions have left thousands of households in Northern Ireland, England, and Wales without power. As of 9am, the Energy Networks Association reported around 86,000 homes experiencing power outages in various parts of the UK. Notably, the National Grid indicated that over 55,000 customers had lost power in the South West, South Wales, and West Midlands by 8am, with a significant portion of those residing in South Wales.
Transport Disruptions and Flight Cancellations
The storm’s impact on transportation infrastructure has been substantial, with closures affecting major bridges and rail services. National Highways announced the closure of the Prince of Wales Bridge, M4, and the Severn Bridge, M48, connecting South West England to Wales due to high winds. Additionally, the QEII Bridge at Dartford Crossing in South East England remained closed owing to the stormy weather conditions.
Network Rail Wales declared the suspension of all train services on the North West Coast Line until further notice due to a fallen tree. As a result, the highly anticipated Merseyside Premier League derby between Everton and Liverpool, scheduled to kick off at Goodison Park, had to be postponed.
Precautionary Measures and Red Weather Warning
In light of the storm’s intensity, the Met Office issued a red “risk to life” weather warning starting at 3am and extending until 11am. Coastal regions and specific areas of West and South Wales are expected to face the brunt of the extreme weather conditions, with strong winds likely to cause large waves along exposed beaches.
The warning encompasses various regions in the South West and Wales, urging residents to exercise caution and stay safe during this turbulent period. In addition to the red alert, the Met Office has issued two amber wind warnings and a total of nine warnings across the UK on Saturday.
While the storm continues to unfold, residents are encouraged to assemble essential items such as torches, batteries, and mobile phone power packs to weather the storm safely within their homes. The Cabinet Office’s emergency alert highlighted the significance of preparedness in the face of such severe weather phenomena.
Stay safe and stay informed as Storm Darragh rages on, and remember that your safety is paramount during these challenging conditions.
