UK weather: Storm Darragh will bring winds of up to 80mph, with an amber wind warning in place
The fourth named storm of the season, Storm Darragh, is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK. An amber warning has been issued for wind, as there could be power cuts and flying debris.
Storm Darragh will bring gusts of wind up to 80mph from late Friday into Saturday. The amber warning for potentially dangerous winds will be in effect from 3am to 9pm on Saturday, covering areas along the west coast of the UK, from South Ayrshire in Scotland to Cornwall, as well as Northern Ireland.
Additionally, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind and rain across parts of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England on Thursday, which will extend to the north-east and south of England on Friday.
Flying debris could hurt people or cause danger, and buildings may be damaged, like tiles being blown off roofs, according to the Met Office. Power cuts and big waves are expected, and some roads and bridges might be closed, with falling trees creating extra risks.
National Highways, which manages the UK’s motorways and busiest roads, has issued a severe weather warning for Saturday. It has advised drivers in the south-west and north-west to be ready for strong winds.
The M5 in northern Somerset, the A30 in Cornwall, and the M6 in Cheshire are likely to be affected by the strongest winds.
Severe winds are already causing travel issues in some parts of the country. The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire was closed on Thursday night due to gusty weather.
Rhondda Cynon Taf, where 200 to 300 homes were flooded during Storm Bert last month, is expected to be hit by heavy rain again. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued over 30 flood alerts and warnings, while the Environment Agency (EA) in England has issued more than 20 red flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected and people should take action now.
Simon Partridge, a senior forecaster from the Met Office, warned of “very dangerous” conditions, especially near the coast. He advised: “Unless you really have to go out on Saturday, it’s best to stay inside, especially if you live in areas with an amber wind warning.”
“70mph winds are dangerous, and as the warnings suggest, they could be life-threatening. We’re expecting a very windy period ahead. Amber warnings usually cover small areas, but because of the storm’s path, this one will affect a large part of the UK.”
The warnings are due to low-pressure areas moving towards Britain, pushed by the jet stream, a fast-flowing wind high in the atmosphere. The jet stream is expected to reach speeds of 240mph, driven by cold air from the northern US and Canada.
Storm Darragh was named by the Met Office on Thursday morning. The names are given in alphabetical order, starting with Ashley, Bert, and Conall this season.
Last week, there were concerns about not having enough flood warnings after Storm Bert caused damage in parts of south Wales and south-west England, where a month’s worth of rain affected towns and villages.
Extreme rainfall has become more common and stronger due to climate change caused by humans. This is because warmer air can hold more water.
Flooding is likely to happen more often and be more severe in these areas, but other factors, like flood defences and how the land is used, also play a role.
Published: 6th December 2024
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