{"id":10435,"date":"2024-12-07T15:41:31","date_gmt":"2024-12-07T15:41:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/?p=10435"},"modified":"2024-12-07T15:41:31","modified_gmt":"2024-12-07T15:41:31","slug":"storm-darragh-uk-winds-power-loss-first-victim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/storm-darragh-uk-winds-power-loss-first-victim\/","title":{"rendered":"Storm Darragh\u2019s 150KM\/H Winds Leave Thousands Without Power Across Britain: First Victim Confirmed"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the early hours of Saturday morning, Storm Darragh<\/strong> swept across the UK with a ferocity rarely seen, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With 93mph\u00a0winds<\/strong> uprooting trees, tearing apart historic landmarks, and plunging tens of thousands into darkness, the storm forced the nation to a standstill.<\/p>\n

Rare Red Warning Issued for Life-Threatening Weather<\/h2>\n

The UK has been battered by Storm Darragh<\/strong>, one of the most severe storms in recent years, with winds reaching 93mph (149.67 km\/h)<\/b>. A rare red weather warning<\/strong>, signalling a \u201cdanger to life<\/a>\u201d<\/strong>, was issued for parts of southwest England and Wales, as the storm left a trail of destruction and claimed at least one life.<\/p>\n

Tragically, a man in his 40s died<\/strong> in Longton<\/strong>, near Preston<\/strong>, after a tree fell onto his vehicle. The Met Office<\/strong> described the conditions as \u201cexceptional<\/strong>,\u201d noting that red warnings have only been issued around 20 times since 2011.<\/p>\n

\"Large
Ilfracombe, UK, 07th Dec 2024. Large waves batter the North Devon coast at Ilfracombe, as Storm Darragh hits the UK. The storm has prompted a rare red warning from the Met office, forecasting a \u2018Danger to Life\u2019. Picture: Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Widespread Damage and Power Outages<\/h2>\n

The storm\u2019s fierce winds caused significant damage, particularly along coastal areas and in rural regions. In Llandudno<\/strong>, North Wales, a historic pier hut was blown away, while in Sidmouth<\/strong>, Devon, fallen trees blocked roads for hours, isolating homes and hindering emergency services.<\/p>\n

Around 86,000 homes<\/strong> were left without electricity at the peak of the storm, according to the National Grid<\/strong><\/a>. The most affected areas included:<\/p>\n