Storm Darragh has left tens of thousands of UK homes without power. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to the west. Significant disruption has hit south Wales, western England, and Northern Ireland. Many train services and flights have been cancelled.
A rare Met Office red warning for life-threatening weather was issued from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT in western and southern Wales. Around three million people received government emergency alerts on Friday evening, warning about potential power cuts. The alerts advised storing torches, batteries, and mobile power packs.
The system made a loud siren-like sound lasting about 10 seconds when delivered. The warning urged people to stay indoors during high winds to avoid injury.
Power Cuts and Travel Disruptions
Wind gusts of 93mph were recorded in Capel Curig, north Wales, and 92mph in Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula. Winds of 80-90mph have affected areas around the Irish Sea since early Friday.
The strongest wind gusts have now passed, but winds will remain 70-85mph in western areas throughout the day. The National Grid reported that at least 48,000 homes in Wales were without power. Northern Ireland has reported over 46,000 premises affected by power cuts.
Bristol Airport warned passengers to expect disruptions this weekend. Cardiff Airport will suspend flights during the red warning. Rail services in west Cardiff have stopped due to fallen trees on train lines.
Both the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and the M48 Severn Bridge linking England to Wales have been closed. All domestic football and rugby matches in Wales for Saturday have been cancelled.
The Richmond Hotel owner in Aberystwyth reported the town was left in “complete darkness” after a local power outage. London’s Royal Parks, including the Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park, will close on Saturday.
Horse races at Aintree and Chepstow were abandoned, and the Everton vs. Liverpool match has been postponed. This is the first Premier League derby to be cancelled due to a storm.
Northern Ireland has an amber weather warning in place until 21:00 GMT, with multiple Christmas events cancelled. Belfast City Council confirmed its Christmas market will be closed on Saturday.
Flood Alerts and Ongoing Threats
Heavy rain is expected to continue over the weekend, leading to 120 flood alerts in England. Wales has 55 flood alerts, with the area already saturated from previous storms.
Amber warnings are in effect in Northern Ireland, Wales, and western England until Saturday morning. Other areas have lower-level yellow weather warnings. Storm Darragh marks the fourth named storm this season, following Bert and Conall.