Tens of thousands of households across the UK have been left without electricity after Storm Darragh unleashed powerful winds and heavy rainfall across the country’s western regions. The storm has caused widespread disruption, particularly in South Wales, western England, and Northern Ireland, where numerous train services and flights have been cancelled.
The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning, highlighting the potential for life-threatening conditions across western and southern Wales and along the Bristol Channel coast. This warning remained in effect from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday morning.
On Friday evening, around three million people received an emergency alert on their mobile devices from the government, advising them to prepare for the storm. The message recommended gathering essentials such as torches, batteries, and mobile power packs in anticipation of possible power cuts. The alert, which delivered a siren-like sound lasting 10 seconds, emphasized the dangers of being outdoors during high winds, urging people to stay indoors.
Storm Darragh’s Intense Wind Speeds
Wind gusts reached a staggering 93 mph in Capel Curig, North Wales, and 92 mph in Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula. Sustained winds of 80-90 mph were recorded around the Irish Sea early Saturday morning. Experts note that it is rare to experience wind speeds of this magnitude for such an extended period.
The most severe winds are concentrated on the western side of the UK as the storm continues moving southeast. Forecasters predict the winds will peak within the coming hours.
Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
As of 06:00 on Saturday, 22,000 homes in Wales were without power, according to the National Grid. In Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks reported over 46,000 properties affected by power cuts.
Travel disruptions have been severe, with Bristol Airport warning passengers to expect delays and advising them to check flight statuses with their airlines. Cardiff Airport temporarily suspended all flights during the red weather warning. Rail services west of Cardiff have been halted due to fallen trees, according to Nick Millington, a Network Rail route director.
Both the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and the M48 Severn Bridge, connecting England and South Wales, have been closed due to safety concerns.
Cancelled Events Across the UK
Storm Darragh has led to the cancellation of major events nationwide. In Wales, all domestic football and rugby matches scheduled for Saturday have been called off, including Cardiff City’s Championship match against Watford.
London’s Royal Parks, including the Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park, will remain closed on Saturday. Horse races at Aintree and Chepstow have been abandoned, and the highly anticipated Premier League derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park has been postponed.
In Northern Ireland, where an amber warning is in place until 21:00 GMT, multiple Christmas events have been cancelled. The Belfast Christmas Market and the Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens will remain closed for the weekend.
Flood Warnings and Long-Term Impact
Storm Darragh is expected to bring heavy rain alongside strong winds. 120 flood alerts are currently in effect across England, indicating potential flooding, while 55 flood alerts have been issued in Wales, which is still recovering from the damage caused by Storm Bert.
Amber weather warnings remain active for Northern Ireland, Wales, and western England, while other regions face lower-level yellow weather warnings. Storm Darragh marks the fourth named storm of the season, following Storms Bert and Conall, which caused significant flooding last month.
