Millions of people across the UK have received urgent mobile phone alerts as Storm Darragh approaches, bringing 90mph winds and a rare ‘danger to life‘ warning. With homes at risk and travel chaos expected, the government has activated its biggest ever weather emergency response.
‘Danger to Life’ Warning in 19 UK Areas as Storm Darragh Hits with 90 MPH Winds
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 7 December 2024 07:35
On Friday, December 6, at 6:45 PM, millions of residents across southwest England and Wales received emergency alerts on their mobile phones, warning of severe conditions as Storm Darragh approaches. This marked the largest use of the UK government’s Emergency Alert System outside testing scenarios. According to the Cabinet Office, the alert was crucial due to the Met Office’s rare red weather warning, indicating “danger to life.”
“This will be the largest ever use of the system outside a test scenario,” a Cabinet Office spokesperson confirmed. Recipients of the alert included those in Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, and 12 counties across Wales.
The warning system, which broadcasts critical alerts to all compatible mobile devices, included guidance on staying safe during the storm's peak intensity. Phones emitted a loud, siren-like tone, alerting users even if devices were set to silent.
Storm Darragh’s Impact: What to Expect and Where
The Met Office has issued its most severe weather warning, placing parts of southwest England and Wales under a red alert from 3 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, December 7. This unprecedented warning comes as gusts exceeding 90 mph (144.84 km/h) are expected to batter exposed coastlines and hilltops.
A detailed breakdown of affected areas includes:
- Southwest England: Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Devon, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset.
- Wales: Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Monmouthshire, and Newport.
“The strongest winds will begin to ease from late morning, though it will remain very windy with amber wind warnings still in force until the evening,” the Met Office stated in its advisory. Coastal areas are at particular risk of large waves and debris being thrown onto roads and into homes, posing a significant hazard.
Damage and Disruption Forecasted
The Met Office’s red warning highlights potential dangers, including flying debris, falling trees, and damage to buildings and homes, with the possibility of roofs being torn off. Power outages are anticipated across several regions, with secondary disruptions to mobile and internet networks.
“A period of extremely strong winds will develop during the early hours of Saturday morning as Storm Darragh moves across the Irish Sea,” read the warning. “Gusts of 90 mph (144.84 km/h) or more are possible over coasts and hills of west and south Wales, as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel with some very large waves on exposed beaches.”
Residents in coastal and low-lying areas have been cautioned against venturing outdoors due to the threat of “beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and homes.” Travel disruptions are expected, with roads, bridges, and railway lines potentially closed. Ferry services, buses, and flights may also face delays or cancellations.
Beyond the Red Zones: Widespread Impacts Across the UK
While the red warning areas will bear the brunt of the storm, amber and yellow warnings have been issued for other parts of the UK. These covers:
- Amber warnings for wind along the Northwest coast, affecting areas like Liverpool, Lancashire, and Cumbria.
- Scotland faces dual threats of rain and snow, with treacherous conditions anticipated.
Travellers across the UK are advised to check for updates before embarking on journeys, as the storm may disrupt essential holiday travel plans.
Emergency Response Efforts Underway
The UK government has activated contingency plans involving local councils, emergency services, and utility providers to mitigate the storm's effects. Response teams are on standby to address potential power outages, assist with road clearances, and support those in need.
“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,” confirmed the Cabinet Office spokesperson.