The Met Office has issued its most extreme red weather warning as Storm Darragh brings life-threatening 90mph winds in Wales and parts of southwestern England.
The red alert is the first to be issued since Storm Isha in January, with forecasters warning of significant disruption, including damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
A flurry of yellow and amber warnings have also been issued across the UK for snow, winds and torrential rain, with flooding expected in several parts of the country.
A yellow warning for rain will be in place for Northern Ireland and Wales, which were badly affected by flooding during Storm Bert, from 3pm today until 12pm tomorrow, while two amber alerts over winds posing a threat to life are in force on Saturday.
Swathes of Scotland are also subject to an alert for snow on Friday, with up to 20cm expected.
Rhondda Cynon Taf, where between 200 and 300 properties were flooded during Storm Bert last month, is set to be hit by heavy rain once again.
The Met Office said the wind may cause disruption to travel, with difficult driving conditions likely. National Highways, which runs the UK’s motorways and busiest A-roads, has issued a severe weather alert for Saturday.
Key Points
- Breaking: Met Office issues most extreme red alert as 90mph winds forecast
- Mapped: Where will Storm Darragh hit?
- Friday’s weather warnings
- Storm Darragh to arrive by Friday evening
- Eleven weather warnings in force on Saturday
Longleat Safari Park closed on Saturday due to Storm Darragh
15:57
Andy Gregory
Longleat Safari Park will be closed to visitors on Saturay as Storm Darragh batters the country.
The Swindon Advertiser quoted a spokesperson for the Wiltshire safari park as saying: “We are sorry but due to the weather forecast, we have taken the decision to close on Saturday to ensure you are kept safe ... We are currently planning to re-open on Sunday. If that changes we will update our website and social media.”
The park is home to 120 species, including aardvarks, elephants, crocodiles, lions and cheetahs.
All football in Wales cancelled as Storm Darragh to batter country
15:30
Andy Gregory
As Storm Darragh batters the UK, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced that all football matches scheduled for Saturday 7 December have been postponed.
The Met Office has issued its most extreme red weather warning, with Storm Darragh bringing life-threatening 90mph winds in Wales and parts of southwestern England.
The FAW have followed advice from the Met Office to call off all Saturday football in the country, with Friday and Sunday matches set to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
My colleague Luke Baker has more details here:
HM Coastguard issues warning over dangerously large waves
15:10
Andy Gregory
HM Coastguard has issued a warning to stay well away from the coast as winds are expected to reach up to 90mph in areas with exposed coastlines.
Winds in parts of Wales and South-West England are expected to reach 90mph in areas with exposed coastline.
— HM Coastguard (@HMCoastguard) December 6, 2024
Stay well away from the water, large waves can knock you off your feet and take you out to sea.
If you're in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.#StormDarragh https://t.co/7Y1QVoPTlE
Storm Darragh: How to prepare as Met Office warns strong winds set to batter UK
14:51
Andy Gregory
The Met Office has issued guidance on how to protect yourself from strong winds which includes protecting your property from damage and people from injury.
Forecasters advise that you make sure any loose items such as bins, pots, garden furniture, and trampolines have been safely secured, with any shed and garage doors locked. If you live near the coast, make sure to check the forecasts and be careful if walking near cliffs, ensuring any dogs are kept on a lead.
You should also make sure you plan your route before setting off, by listening for travel updates and checking for road closures and delays, the Met Office says. Make sure you take a fully charged mobile phone and keep any essentials such as warm clothing and a torch in your car.
You can read more in this report:
What is a red weather warning and why do the Met Office issue them?
14:32
Andy Gregory
Red is the most serious weather warning the Met Office can issue. It means dangerous weather is expected and people are urged to take action to keep themselves and others safe.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said red warnings are given based on “the impact, not the severity” of the weather.
Red warnings are issued “relatively infrequently”, according to the Met Office.
The last red warning in the UK was issued in January for winds in north-east Scotland. Gusts of up to 99mph from Storm Isha killed two people and left tens of thousands of homes without power.
Since the Met Office began issuing red warnings in 2011, there have been 20, with typically one or two a year.
You can read more here:
Highly unusual red weather warning should be heeded, RAC warns
14:13
Andy Gregory
RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “A red weather warning is highly unusual and should be heeded as it can indicate a risk to life.
“With parts of Wales and the South West set to be battered by the wind between 3am and 11am on Saturday, we strongly advise drivers to postpone their journeys if they can.
“Anyone who must drive should stick to major roads, reduce their speed significantly, always keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and be on high alert for debris in the road.
“Exposed rural and coastal routes will be particularly treacherous. Drivers in these areas should be wary of any high-sided vehicles as they are at risk of being buffeted off course or, worse still, blown over.
“We also suggest parking well away from large trees due to the danger of falling branches or whole trees being uprooted.”
What weather can UK expect in wake of Storm Darragh?
13:53
Andy Gregory
According to the Met Office, colder northly winds will move across the UK behind Storm Darragh – bringing a risk of overnight frosts and the chance of some wintry showers mostly over high ground on Sunday.
The national forecaster said: “As we go through Monday high pressure becomes centred over the UK and conditions become much more settled with an increasing risk of overnight frost and fog, especially in northern parts of the UK.”
National Highways issues travel advice for motorists
13:35
Andy Gregory
Dale Hipkiss, duty manager at National Highways, said: “If you're planning to drive over the next few days, prepare in advance for the journey and take extra care on the roads.
“If weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible.
“It’s also a good idea for drivers to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
‘Change plans accordingly’ if in red alert area, suggests Met Office forecaster
13:17
Andy Gregory
Change your plans accordingly if in an area subject to red or amber warnings, a Met Office forecaster has advised.
Meteorlogist Alex Deakin said: “The main advice, particularly if you’re in the amber or red area, is just think about what your plans are for this weekend and change them accordingly.
“But even if you’re in the yellow warning area there are going to be issues with lots of people out and about, it’s a Saturday before Christmas, so again just think about what your plans are, make sure you’re across the warnings. They’re being tweaked all the time.”
‘Real focus’ of Storm Darragh will be winds
13:01
Andy Gregory
While Storm Darragh will bring snow, rain and winds similarly to Storm Bert last month, the “real focus” will be powerful winds, the Met Office has said.
“The real focus of this [storm] is going to be the winds,” said meteorologist Alex Deakin. “That’s why we’ve got the amber and the red warnings in place.”
Video report: Rare red warning issued as UK braces for Storm Darragh
12:42
Andy Gregory
Eleven Met Office weather warnings issued for Saturday
12:27
Andy Gregory
There are now a total of 11 Met Office weather warnings issued for Saturday, as the worst impacts of Storm Darragh are felt.
Met Office updates amber warning across western parts of UK
12:16
Andy Gregory
One of the amber warnings for wind issued on Saturday has now been updated, covering Northern Ireland and the entirety of the western coast of England and Wales.
In force from 1am until 9pm, forecasters are warning of winds reaching 80mph in coastal areas and 70mph further inland.
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning UPDATED⚠️⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 6, 2024
Strong, and potentially damaging, winds across Northern Ireland, parts of southwest Scotland, west Wales and southwest England
Saturday 0100 – 2100
Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/NXFZOA8xn7
Nationwide train delays due to communication system failure
11:50
Andy Gregory
Even before Storm Darragh is expected to bring widespread travel disruption on Saturday, rail passengers have this morning been contending with a widespread fault causing major delays.
Our travel correspondent Simon Calder spoke to Sky News about the delays:
Whole of UK likely to be impacted by Storm Darragh
11:34
Andy Gregory
The whole of the country is likely to be impacted by Storm Darragh, the Met Office has warned.
“Although there is a lower likelihood of impacts outside of the red and amber warning areas this doesn’t mean you won’t see them,” said Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly.
“We are likely to see impacts across the whole of the country and people should keep an eye on the latest forecast details and prepare for the bad weather, especially if planning to be out and about on Saturday.
“Some areas are likely to have a relatively quiet start to Saturday, weather-wise, but winds will quickly increase from the west through the day.”
New amber warning issued in southern Wales
11:24
Andy Gregory
The Met Office has issued another new amber warning, this time for rain in southern Wales.
It will be in force from 3am until 6pm on Saturday, with forecasters warning that some areas could see up to 30mm of rain in just three hours, with a total of up to 90mm.
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 6, 2024
Heavy rain in southern parts of Wales
Saturday 0300 – 1800
Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/BlNbGz5sDW
Worst impacts of Storm Darragh to be felt on Saturday
11:17
Andy Gregory
The brunt of Storm Darragh will be felt on Saturday, the Met Office has warned.
Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “The worst impacts from Storm Darragh will be felt as we go through the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout Saturday with, in addition to the broad yellow warning, red and amber wind warnings in place from 1 am tomorrow.
“In the red warning area, we could see wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour along the coasts of west and south Wales as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel, with some very large waves on exposed beaches.”
When in the past has the Met Office issued red weather warnings?
11:02
Andy Gregory
It is rare for the Met Office to issue red weather warnings. Here are some recent examples:
Heatwave, July 2022
A heatwave in mid-July 2022 saw temperatures reach unprecedented levels in many parts of the UK, passing 40C for the first time on July 19 and peaking at 40.3C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
The conditions prompted the Met Office to issue its first ever red warning for extreme heat, covering much of central and southern England, while the government declared a national emergency.
Storm Eunice, February 2022
Two red warnings for wind were issued for Storm Eunice, covering areas of south-west and south-east England.
It was the most severe and damaging storm to affect England and Wales since 2014, with winds of more than 81mph in exposed coastal locations and a gust of 122mph recorded on the Needles off the coast of the Isle of Wight, setting a new England gust speed record.
Storm Arwen, November 2021
A red warning for wind was issued for Storm Arwen, running down the eastern edge of the UK from Aberdeen to Newcastle.
The storm saw wind speeds of more than 69mph in many areas of Scotland and northern England, with a gust of 98mph recorded at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland.
More than one million homes lost power, three people died when they were hit by falling trees, and rail passengers in Aberdeenshire were stuck on a train overnight.
Storm Dennis, February 2020
A red warning for rain was issued for parts of South Wales during storm Dennis. The storm brought very strong winds, but the worst of the disruption was caused by exceptionally heavy rain.
Environment Agency teams ‘are out on the ground’ ahead of Storm Darragh
10:44
Andy Gregory
The Environment Agency – which helps protect against flooding in England – said it is carefully monitoring the progress of the storm ahead of the weekend, having issued eight flood warnings and more than 100 lesser flood alerts.
Katharine Smith, the agency’s flood duty manager, said: “EA teams are out on the ground and will support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
Swathes of UK bracing for powerful winds
10:29
Andy Gregory
The rare red weather warning covers parts of Wales and the South West of England, including Cardiff, Bristol and Devon, and is in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday.
The Met Office warns of “damaging winds”, with gusts of 90mph possible over the coasts and hills of west and south Wales.
A separate amber warning covering a larger swathe of the west coast of the UK, stretching from Scotland to Cornwall, is in place until 9pm.
Claims of possible ‘mini-tornado’ in Staffordshire
10:16
Andy Gregory
Residents in Staffordshire have reported powerful winds believed by some to have been a tornado, described as “like a bomb going off”.
Staffordshire Police said it had reports of 25 trees having been blown down after residents in Clayton and Kidsgrove reported a short blast of “deafening” winds which began and ended without warning.
StokeonTrentLive quoted one reader as saying: “A mini tornado just came through Clayton, it ripped our grass up, ripped the roof tiles off our neighbour’s roof. There’s fence panels everywhere, I’ve never seen anything like it, the sound was deafening.
“We don’t even know if our roof is ok yet. All the neighbours were in the street assessing the damage. A friend said they could hear the intense sound from far away near Westbury Park – like a bomb going off. It lasted about 15 seconds.”
Responding to reports of a possible tornado, one Facebook user in Kidsgrove reported power outages and felled trees, adding: “It passed right through our cul-de-sac! Completely out of the blue the wind just went wild, it was roaring through our house and the trees were bending.
“It was so fast too. We opened the door to take a better look and struggled to close it. Then as quick as it had started, it just stopped. It didn’t slow down, it literally just stopped.”
Another said: “I’m in Kidsgrove and there are trees down everywhere, main roads closed because of debris, roofs blown off and I have never heard wind like that in my life, it was so powerful and our furniture on the decking was banging on the patio doors so loudly.”
And a third person wrote: “I’m in kidsgrove and the wind was brutal for just a few minutes and stopped. Our garden has been savaged. Not just fence panels down but a breeze block wall collapsed.”
Red warning: Damaging winds could tear roofs from homes and bring down power lines
10:09
Andy Gregory
The red weather warning – in force from 3am until 11am on Saturday – is due to damaging winds expected to cause significant disruption.
Here is what the Met Office says those living in affected areas should expect:
- Danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
You can see a map of the affected area in the post below.
Breaking: Rare red Met Office weather alert issued in Wales and southwest England
10:00
Andy Gregory
A rare red weather warning for powerful winds has been issued on the south and western coasts of Wales and in parts of southwestern England.
The last time a red weather warning was issued appears to have been during Storm Isha in January.
Where are flood warnings in force in England?
09:45
Andy Gregory
The Environment Agency has issued eight red flood warnings in England, which mean flooding is expected and residents and business owners should “act now”. Three are along the River Frome, while two are along the River Avon.
It has also issued a further 103 flood alerts, which mean flooding is possible and residents should be prepared to act.
Met Office ‘concerned’ about flood risks and impacts of powerful winds
09:18
Andy Gregory
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said the weather service is “a bit concerned” about the risk of flooding in parts of Wales and Northern Ireland where there is “heightened sensitivity” due to recent heavy rainfall.
Mr Stroud added: “The wind particularly is set to be reasonably disruptive and potentially quite damaging.
“We are rather concerned about the strength of the winds affecting the Irish sea coasts and this is likely to have impacts on Irish ferry services. Trees could come down onto roads and people need to be aware of this and allow extra time for travel, especially in rural spots.”
Mapped: Where are Met Office weather warnings in force on Friday?
08:57
Andy Gregory
Here is the Met Office weather alert map as things stand on Friday:
There are currently five warnings issued on Friday, including for snow, rain and wind.
The largest alert covers the entirety of the UK south of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and warns of strong winds which could lead to disruption and damage to buildings.
Warnings for rain are also in force in Wales, Northern Ireland and much of south and eastern Scotland.
Met Office issues new snow alert in Scotland
08:43
Andy Gregory
The Met Office has issued a new weather warning for snow, covering large parts of Scotland.
The yellow alert, in force from 8pm until 9am on Saturday, stretches from Denny in the south to Fort William in the northwest and Ballater to the east, stopping just short of Inverness.
Forecasters warn of 2 to 5 cm on land 200m above sea level, and 10 to 20cm above 400m.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 6, 2024
Snow across parts of Scotland
Friday 2000 – Saturday 0900
Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/GfI8Jf1ZHK
Drivers warned over flooded roads
08:00
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Motorists are being urged not to drive through floodwater amid warnings of heavy rain and 80mph winds set to batter large swathes of the UK over the coming days.
The Environment Agency said it is carefully monitoring the progress of Storm Darragh, the fourth named storm of the season, ahead of the weekend after the Met Office issued a rare amber warning for “potentially damaging” winds.
More here.
In Pics: Concern over international protection applicants living in tents in Dublin City
07:30
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Report: Drivers warned over flooded roads after danger to life alert as UK set for 80mph winds and rain
07:00
Alex Croft
Motorists are being urged not to drive through floodwater amid warnings of heavy rain and 80mph winds set to batter large swathes of the UK over the coming days.
The Environment Agency said it is carefully monitoring the progress of Storm Darragh, the fourth named storm of the season, ahead of the weekend after the Met Office issued a rare amber warning for “potentially damaging” winds.
Katharine Smith, flood duty manager from the agency, said heavy rain was expected to move “rapidly” across the north and west of England on Thursday evening, adding minor surface-water flooding was “probable” across parts of northwest England, while minor river flooding was possible more widely across the country.
Angus Thompson reports:
National Highways issues severe weather alert for tomorrow
06:30
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
National Highways, which runs the UK’s motorways and busiest A-roads, has issued a severe weather alert for tomorrow and has warned motorists in the South West and North West to prepare for gale-force winds.
It said routes likely to be affected by the strongest winds include the M5 in northern Somerset, the A30 in Cornwall and the M6 in Cheshire.
Severe winds are already affecting travel in parts of the country with the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire was being closed because of gusty weather.
Storm Darragh is due to cross Ireland today, then parts of England and Wales tomorrow, clearing to the east of England on Saturday night or early Sunday.
Weather forecast for Friday as Storm Darragh approaches
06:00
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Calm before the storm?
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 5, 2024
Here's the latest #4cast for Friday pic.twitter.com/CyTB9DfRqW
‘Put Big Light On’ festival postponed due to Storm Darragh
05:30
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The ‘Put Big Light On’ festival in Bolton has been postponed due to the forecast of winds up to 80mph and rain during Storm Darragh.
The lights festival was due to begin last evening and was scheduled to run until Sunday. However, it now stands postponed indefinitely.
“We have not taken the decision to postpone lightly, however the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved is always our top priority,” the festival authorities said in a statement.
“We apologise to the public, performers and traders for the inconvenience this has caused.”
Met Office graphic shows path of Storm Darragh
05:00
Alex Croft
#StormDarragh has been named and is forecast to bring very strong winds and heavy rain to the UK later on Friday and through the weekend #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/xqPH9hvqxs
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 5, 2024
Storm Darragh mapped: Which areas will face a ‘danger to life’ ?
04:45
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Storm Darragh is set to batter parts of the UK with up to 80mph winds, torrential rain, and potential flooding over the weekend.
The Met Office has issued a number of yellow and amber weather warnings, as it predicts a possible “danger to life” in western parts of the UK where wind speeds are expected to reach the highest.
Thursday into Friday
A yellow weather warning for wind has been in place since 3pm yesterday. It covers much of southern England, all of the Midlands and parts of northwest England.
Wales, the Scottish west coast and Northern Ireland are also covered by the weather warning, which will remain in place until 3am today. The Met warns that “disruption” is possible due to gusty winds.
Alex Croft has more.
Yellow warning for rain in place for Northern Ireland and Wales
04:15
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
About 130 flood alerts in place as Storm Darragh approaches
03:46
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Strong winds and rain will bring a “risk to life and property” across the UK, the Met Office said, as Storm Darragh approaches.
The fourth named storm of the season is expected to bring winds of up to 80mph and heavy rain this afternoon and into the weekend, while 130 flood alerts have been issued.
A yellow warning for rain will be in place for Northern Ireland and Wales, which were badly affected by flooding during Storm Bert, from 3pm today until 12pm tomorrow.
Up to 60mm of rain could fall in these areas during the warning period, which may lead to some flooding and disruption, forecasters said.
Rhondda Cynon Taf, where between 200 and 300 properties were flooded during Storm Bert last month, is set to be hit by heavy rain once again.
Environment Agency issues warning to drivers
03:00
Alex Croft
The Environment Agency has urged drivers not to drive through flood water this weekend.
Katharine Smith, flood duty manager from the agency, said heavy rain was expected to move “rapidly” across the north and west of England on Thursday evening, adding minor surface-water flooding was “probable” across parts of northwest England, while minor river flooding was possible more widely across the country.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and will support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding. We urge people not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks, and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car,” Ms Smith said.
Storm Darragh mapped: Which areas will face a ‘danger to life’ amid 80mph winds and flooding?
01:00
Alex Croft
Storm Darragh is set to batter parts of the UK with up to 80mph winds, torrential rain, and potential flooding over the weekend.
The Met Office has issued a number of yellow and amber weather warnings, as it predicts a possible “danger to life” in western parts of the UK where wind speeds are expected to reach the highest.
The forecaster says a period of “very strong northerly or northwesterly winds” will develop throughout Saturday as Storm Darragh moves from west to east. This will see gusts of up to 70 to 80 mph hit areas of exposed coast and gusts of 60 to 70 mph in inland areas.
Affected communities, particularly those under an amber weather warning this weekend, are warned to stay cautious and to avoid driving due to potentially dangerous conditions.
With several weather warnings for wind and rain covering different areas at different times, The Independent has broken down which areas will be affected.
Read the full report:
National Highways issues driving advice
Thursday 5 December 2024 22:59
Alex Croft
Drivers have been advised to “adjust your driving behaviour” if weather conditions become challenging.
Duty manager at National Highways Dale Hipkiss said: “If you're planning to drive over the next few days, prepare in advance for the journey and take extra care on the roads.
“If weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible. It’s also a good idea for drivers to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
What is causing Storm Darragh?
Thursday 5 December 2024 21:55
Alex Croft
Storm Darragh follows a period of “unsettled and squally conditions”.
An area of low pressure will bring strong winds and heavy rain to much of the UK, with the heaviest rainfall expected to be focussed in the northern and western parts of the warning area.
Some snow will hit northern areas above 200m, the forecaster said.
Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Storm Darragh is an evolving system and will bring several hazards, including wind gusts of up to 70-80mph around western coasts, especially from Devon and Cornwall to southwest Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wind speeds in inland areas will be slightly reduced with maximum gusts expected to reach 60-70mph.”
How to stay safe in strong wind
Thursday 5 December 2024 20:52
Alex Croft
The Met Office has issued its top tips for staying safe in areas with strong wind over the weekend.
Here’s what to do if Storm Darragh brings gusty winds to your area, according to the Met:
- Protect your property: ”Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds,” the forecaster says.
- Plan routes and pack essentials for any journeys: The forecaster stresses that “windy weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous.”
- Drive slowly and cautiously in strong wind: “Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users,” says the Met Office.
- Take when near coast: Check forecasts and tides and be aware of large waves, the Met Office says. Take care walking near cliffs.
- Stay indoors as much as possible: “Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees,” the Met Office says.
Mapped: Where will Storm Darragh hit?
Thursday 5 December 2024 19:49
Alex Croft
Friday afternoon: Storm Darragh hits
Three yellow weather warnings for rain and wind will be introduced at 3pm. A yellow warning for wind from 3pm on Friday until 6am on Sunday will cover the entirety of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern parts of Scotland.
A yellow weather warning for rain will cover Northern Ireland and most of Wales from 3pm on Friday until 12pm on Saturday, with the possibility of some “flooding and disruption”.
Another yellow warning for rain will cover the southern part of Scotland from 3pm on Friday until 12pm on Saturday, stretching from the Scottish Borders up to Glasgow and Edinburgh, and up the eastern coast to Aberdeen.
Saturday: Severe wind strikes
Alongside the yellow weather warnings starting on Friday, two amber warnings for wind will be introduced in the early hours of Saturday.
The warning, in force between 3am and 9pm on Saturday, encompasses southwest England, western Wales, England’s northwest coast and the southeastern coast of Scotland.
Storm Darragh to arrive by Friday evening
Thursday 5 December 2024 18:51
Alex Croft
The Met Office’s weather forecast for the next day says Storm Darragh will hit the UK by Friday evening.
“Rain clearing away to the east and southeast this evening, leaving clear periods for many overnight. Some showers in the north and northwest. Winds easing for all, with a patchy frost likely for some western rural areas,” the forecast says for Thursday.
Friday will see a “dry, bright start, with a few showers continuing in the northwest,” before “wet and increasingly windy weather arriving later from the west later as Storm Darragh arrives by the evening.”
Met warns of ‘damaging winds’ and ‘danger to life’ on Saturday
Thursday 5 December 2024 17:59
Alex Croft
The Met has warned there may be a “danger to life” in the areas which are covered by an amber weather warning on Saturday.
Northern Ireland and the entire west coast of England and Wales - along with the southeastern Scottish coast - have been issued an amber weather warning for rain.
Here is what the Met Office is warning residents to expect:
- A good chance of powercuts, with the potential to affect services such as mobile phone coverage
- Probable damage to buildings
- Longer journey times and cancellations with rail, air and ferry services potentially affected
- Danger to life and injuries as a result of flying debris
- Closure of roads and bridges, with falling trees a potential hazard
- Danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties
Friday’s weather warnings
Thursday 5 December 2024 17:08
Alex Croft
The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings for Friday.
They will all come into force at 3pm.
A yellow weather warning for wind, which covers the entirety of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern parts of Scotland, will remain in place until Sunday at 6am.
A yellow rain warning will be in place across southern Scotland, stretching up the eastern Scottish coast to Aberdeen. This will be in place until 12pm on Saturday.
There will also be a yellow weather warning for rain covering Northern Ireland and Wales until 12pm on Saturday.
Here’s a map of the warnings issued by the Met Office:
Report: Drivers warned over flooded roads after danger to life alert as UK set for 80mph winds and rain
Thursday 5 December 2024 16:22
Angus Thompson
Motorists are being urged not to drive through floodwater amid warnings of heavy rain and 80mph winds set to batter large swathes of the UK over the coming days.
The Environment Agency said it is carefully monitoring the progress of Storm Darragh, the fourth named storm of the season, ahead of the weekend after the Met Office issued a rare amber warning for “potentially damaging” winds.
Katharine Smith, flood duty manager from the agency, said heavy rain was expected to move “rapidly” across the north and west of England on Thursday evening, adding minor surface-water flooding was “probable” across parts of North West England, while minor river flooding was possible more widely across the country.
Angus Thompson reports:
