The full force of Storm Darragh has begun to unleash its wrath, making landfall in Ireland this evening with lashing winds and near-horizontal rain reported in County Mayo. The storm is now set to impact the UK, bringing 90mph winds, heavy rain, and widespread disruption overnight.
Met Office Issues Rare ‘Danger to Life’ Red Warning
The Met Office has issued a red wind warning for parts of Wales, Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol, and North Somerset, effective from 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday.
Key dangers include:
- Lethal flying debris and falling trees.
- Large waves and beach material thrown onto roads, sea fronts, and homes.
- Damage to buildings, including roofs being blown off and power lines brought down.
An amber severe weather alert for strong winds has also been issued by National Highways, covering the South West and North West of England from 1:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturday.
Impact on Transport and Events
The storm is expected to cause:
- Significant disruption to train, bus, ferry, and flight services.
- Traffic chaos as authorities warn motorists to avoid non-essential travel.
- Cancellations of festive events and football matches across affected areas.
Ireland on High Alert
Ireland’s Met Éireann has issued red wind warnings for seven counties, including Mayo, Galway, and Donegal, where damage to electricity infrastructure and flooding is expected. The Irish Taoiseach, Simon Harris, urged residents to take the warnings “extraordinarily seriously,” advising against travel in affected areas.
An amber wind warning remains in place across Northern Ireland until 9:00 PM Saturday, with heavy rain and high winds expected to disrupt the region.
UK Government Issues Emergency Alert
In a rare move, the UK Government sent an emergency alert to three million mobile phones across Southwest England and Wales, advising residents to secure property and avoid travel.
The alert emphasized:
“Stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for potential power outages and dangerous conditions.”
Social Media and Public Reaction
Videos circulating on social media show crashing waves in Aberystwyth, Wales, and flooded streets in Manchester, illustrating the storm’s reach even before its peak.
Advice and Safety Measures
Authorities are urging residents to:
- Stay indoors during red warning periods.
- Avoid coastal areas and flooded roads.
- Secure outdoor items to prevent them becoming hazards in high winds.
Looking Ahead
Once the storm passes, colder northerly winds are expected to bring a risk of frost and wintry showers on Sunday.
Further updates will follow as Storm Darragh continues to impact the region, with officials emphasizing the importance of heeding warnings to ensure public safety.
