Winter Wonderland will close on Saturday after the Met Office issued its most extreme red weather warning, as Storm Darragh strikes the UK.
Life-threatening 90mph winds are expected to hit Wales and parts of southwestern England in the red warning area, with forecasters warning of significant disruption to travel and damage to buildings.
Winter Wonderland’s official X account said it is “sorry for any disappointment caused”, and that it expects to reopen on Sunday.
An emergency alert was sent to millions of mobile phones in south west England and Wales on Friday afternoon, warning people of “flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas”. It was the largest real-life use of the emergency alert sysytem.
A yellow warning for rain will be in place for Northern Ireland and Wales until 12pm Saturday, while two amber alerts for wind are in force throughout most of Saturday.
Swathes of Scotland are also subject to an alert for snow from Friday evening until 9am Saturday morning, 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.
Key Points
- 16 flights cancelled from Belfast City Airport
- Emergency phone alerts triggered by government
- Tornadoes possible, says storm research body
- Met Office issues most extreme red alert as 90mph winds forecast
- Mapped: Where will Storm Darragh hit?
- Eleven weather warnings in force on Saturday
What will days following Storm Darragh look like?
Friday 6 December 2024 23:01
Alex Croft
Storm Darragh will bring a turbulent weekend of weather to British shores.
But from Sunday, the weather should settle and be replaced with some drier and brighter weather.
The Met Office’s forecast for Sunday through to Tuesday reads: “Turning colder on Sunday and Monday with showers and blustery winds gradually easing. Drier and brighter later Monday and into Tuesday as high pressure build with some mist and fog.”
Four flights cancelled from Cardiff Airport
Friday 6 December 2024 22:45
Alex Croft
Four flights due to depart from Cardiff Airport on Saturday have been cancelled .
Much of Cardiff will be covered by a red weather warning for wind until 11am on Saturday, with the Met Office warning of gusts of 90mph or more possible in south Wales.
The cancelled flights were due to fly to Enontekio, Ivalo, Amsterdam and Belfast City.
16 flights cancelled from Belfast City Airport
Friday 6 December 2024 22:32
Alex Croft
More than a dozen flights from Belfast City Airport on Saturday have been cancelled as Northern Ireland braces itself for an amber weather warning.
All of the cancelled flights were scheduled to fly to other cities in the UK, bar one going to Amsterdam.
Dublin Airport has also seen 21 flight departures cancelled on Saturday.
It includes flights to London Heathrow, Washington, Manchester, Paris, Newcastle and Edinburgh, among others.
In pictures: Dublin prepares for Storm Darragh earlier on Friday
Friday 6 December 2024 22:20
Alex Croft
‘Change plans accordingly’ if in red alert area, suggests Met Office forecaster
Friday 6 December 2024 22:03
Alex Croft
Change your plans accordingly if in an area subject to red or amber warnings, a Met Office forecaster has advised.
Meteorologist 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.”
Graphic shows how Storm Darragh will unfold on Saturday
Friday 6 December 2024 21:47
Alex Croft
#StormDarragh will bring disruptive weather across the UK on Saturday ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 6, 2024
Here's an overview in the latest 4cast pic.twitter.com/RSGYUTGKaD
Why does rain and high wind cause train delays?
Friday 6 December 2024 21:31
Alex Croft
National Rail has explained why rain and high winds can cause issues on the rail network.
Its website outlines three reasons delays occur.
- Heavy rain can “flood tracks meaning trains run at severely reduced speeds or are unable to run at all”.
- Water can “displace the ballast leading to potential track defects or landslips”.
- Flooding can “damage points and signalling equipment which means trains cannot move from one track to another”.
National Rail warns of ‘significant disruption’ ahead
Friday 6 December 2024 21:15
Alex Croft
National Rail has warned that there will be “significant disruption” to rail services this weekend.
The rail company said on its website: “From this evening, Storm Darragh is expected to bring significant disruption with heavy rain and wind. Please check your journey in full before travelling as it may mean last services of the day are cancelled and you may not reach your destination.”
It advises those who are considering travelling to check their journey online.
Multiple A-roads to close, says Traffic Wales
Friday 6 December 2024 21:00
Alex Croft
Traffic Wales will close parts of the A55, A5 and A483 roads, Traffic Wales says.
The body post on X: “A55 Britannia Bridge will close to all vehicles due to extremely high winds 07/12 from 2:00 until winds have eased at approx. 12:00.”
In a later post, it said: “Based on current forecasts the A5 Ceiriog & A483 Dee Viaducts will close between 07/12 06:00 and approximately 21:00 because of severe winds.”
Emergency government alert sent to millions with Storm Darragh set to endanger life
Friday 6 December 2024 20:44
Alex Croft
Around three million people in Wales and south-west England have been sent an emergency alert by the government with Storm Darragh set to batter the UK on Saturday.
In the largest ever real-life use of the alert system, the government warned people of a risk of a “danger to life” as a result of “flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas” on Saturday.
The “severe alert” made a siren noise for around 10 seconds to warn people within the area set to be worst affected by Storm Darragh.
A rare red weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for Saturday. Life-threatening 90mph winds are expected to strike Wales and parts of southwestern England, along with a likelihood of significant disruption to travel and damage to buildings and homes.
Read the full report:
Met Office shares latest full forecast
Friday 6 December 2024 20:28
Alex Croft
The Met Office has shared it’s latest updates on Storm Darragh’s impact over the weekend.
Here’s what 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.
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.
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.
What is a red weather warning and why do the Met Office issue them?
Friday 6 December 2024 20:12
Alex Croft
A rare red warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office as Storm Darragh hits the UK.
Here, we explain what it means.
What is a weather warning?
A weather warning is issued by the Met Office through the National Severe Weather Warning Service.
The aim is to keep people safe by warning what severe weather is in store and what the impacts may be.
Read the full explainer:
Nine flood warnings and 164 flood alerts in place
Friday 6 December 2024 19:56
Alex Croft
Nine flood warnings and 164 flood alerts are in place across England, Scotland and Wales.
A flood warning means flooding is expected so people in the area should “act now”. It is the second most severe out of three tier to the flood warning system.
A flood alert, the least severe tier, means flooding is “possible” and advises people to “be prepared”.
England’s Environment Agency has issued eight flood warnings and 116 flood alerts, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued one warning and 11 alerts, and Natural Resources Wales has issued 37 alerts.
You can check if your area is at risk of flooding using the below links:
From Babet to Walid: How and why storms get their names
Friday 6 December 2024 19:40
Alex Croft
As Storm Darragh batters the UK, here’s a reminder of how and why storms get their names:
Pictured: Government’s emergency alert sent to around 3 million people
Friday 6 December 2024 19:22
Alex Croft
Which areas will receive emergency alerts?
Friday 6 December 2024 19:07
Alex Croft
The government’s emergency alert will be sent to around three million people, containing “information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe into Saturday”.
Here are the areas which will receive, or have received, the alert:
- Devon
- Bath and North East Somerset
- City of Bristol
- North Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Somerset
- Isle of Anglesey
- Gwynedd
- Conwy
- Ceredigion
- Pembrokeshire
- Carmarthenshire
- Swansea
- Neath Port Talbot
- Bridgend
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Cardiff
- Monmouth
Emergency phone alerts to be triggered by government
Friday 6 December 2024 18:57
Alex Croft
Emergency phone alerts will be triggered by the government in parts of the country worst affected by Storm Darragh.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “In light of the damaging winds and associated disruption, the Cabinet Office will issue an Emergency Alert at 1845 hrs on Friday 6th December to people in areas covered by the red warning in parts of Wales and the South West.”
The alert will be sent to those with compatible phones, “containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe into Saturday”.
It will be the “largest ever use of the system outside a test scenario,” the Cabinet Office added.
“Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
“The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”
Storm Darragh map: When and where UK will be hit by 90mph winds and rain from tonight
Friday 6 December 2024 18:43
Alex Croft
Storm Darragh is set to batter parts of the UK with up to 90mph winds, torrential rain, and potential flooding over the weekend.
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind, which warns of significant disruption and a “danger to life” for parts of Wales and southwest England on Saturday.
The warning is in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday, covering western and southern coastal regions of Wales and the Bristol Channel in England.
Red weather warnings are the most serious type of warning. The Met Office only issues them when meteorologists believe that dangerous, potentially life-threatening weather is expected imminently.
Yellow wind warnings are in place for large parts of the UK on Friday, with amber warnings covering the west coast of England and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland, on Saturday morning.
With several weather warnings for wind and rain covering different areas at different times, The Independent has highlighted which areas will be affected.
See the affected areas:
Winter Wonderland to close on Saturday
Friday 6 December 2024 18:17
Alex Croft
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland will be closed on Saturday due to strong winds, it announced.
“In line with the Royal Parks’ closure of Hyde Park due to high winds, we will not be opening Hyde Park Winter Wonderland on Saturday 7th December 2024,” Winter Wonderland’s official X account said.
“The safety of our visitors and staff are our top priority and we are sorry for any disappointment caused. All affected ticket holders have been contacted directly and will have the opportunity to reschedule or refund their tickets.
“Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will be open until 5th January 2024 and there is currently plenty of availability throughout the rest of the event.
“With better weather forecast on Sunday, we anticipate operating as normal and look forward to welcoming you. Please keep an eye on our official channels for further updates.”
Important update for Saturday 7th December. Please keep an eye on our official channels for further updates. Thank you, HPWW Team x pic.twitter.com/vyWBYuQo9P
— Winter Wonderland (@WinterWonderLDN) December 6, 2024
Liverpool fans advised to ’remain alert’ before match on Saturday
Friday 6 December 2024 18:07
Alex Croft
Liverpool FC has advised its fans to “remain alert” and “take extra care” before their away Merseyside derby fixture at Everton’s Goodison Park.
The club said in a statement: “Supporters attending Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel and remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.
“An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am GMT on Saturday, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely. The warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday.
“Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and take extra care.
“Supporters are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for the Premier League fixture (12.30pm kick-off).”
Tornadoes possible, says storm research body
Friday 6 December 2024 17:48
Alex Croft
Tornadoes could strike the UK as Storm Darragh prepares to wreak havoc, a storm research body has said.
“Wind gusts to around 70-75mph could accompany the stronger cores, and one or tornadoes are possible too,” said the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro), a privatrely-supported and volunteer-led research body which specialises in severe convective weather in Britain and Ireland.
The entirety of Ireland, Wales, and most of England - barring parts of the north and east - are expected to be in affected areas, according to a map published by Torro in its update on Friday afternoon.
Christmas market cancelled due to dangerous winds
Friday 6 December 2024 17:24
Alex Croft
A christmas market in Chiswick has been cancelled as a result of the dangerous winds amid Storm Darragh.
The christmas market was set to offer handmade gifts, jewellery, christmas carols sung by a performing arts choir, and story telling by Santa himself.
But the kids booked in with the big red man will have to reschedule their appointments, with heavy winds prompting organisers to call off the festive event.
Xanthe Arvanitakis, director of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, told Chiswick Calendar: “It’s really disappointing, but what can we do? We’ve been told winds of 40mph are expected, which just makes it too dangerous to open the park.”
“We have lost that income, but also the stallholders will have lost the opportunity to earn money. We are doing everything we can, we hope the public will understand.”
Welsh deputy FM urges residents to take extreme care as red warning issued
Friday 6 December 2024 16:53
Andy Gregory
Welsh deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies has warned there may be very significant impacts from the storm and urged people to take extreme care this weekend.
“Red warnings are issued when there is a potential threat to life, and therefore it is essential that people in Wales heed the warnings and take very great care if they are travelling on Saturday,” he said.
“Welsh local authorities, emergency services and Natural Resources Wales have activated their preparedness structures in readiness for Storm Darragh. I urge people to make sure they are aware of the warning levels for their local area and to follow all official advice.”
What travel disruption is forecast so far?
Friday 6 December 2024 16:22
Andy Gregory
With winds of up to 90mph forecast along some coastal areas, Stena Line said the storm would be “impacting” some ferries over the coming days, and Bristol Airport said disruption was expected.
National Rail said the storm is likely to affect services across the whole network, advising people to check their journey in full before travelling as it may mean last services of the day are cancelled and passengers may not reach their destination.
Longleat Safari Park closed on Saturday due to Storm Darragh
Friday 6 December 2024 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
Friday 6 December 2024 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
Friday 6 December 2024 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
Friday 6 December 2024 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?
Friday 6 December 2024 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
Friday 6 December 2024 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?
Friday 6 December 2024 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
Friday 6 December 2024 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
Friday 6 December 2024 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.”
