Storm Darragh: Millions in England and Wales told to ‘stay home’

Millions of people in parts of Wales and south-west England have been told to stay at home as forecasters warn of a danger to life as Storm Darragh brings winds with gusts of up to 91 mph.

The Met Office has issued its highest-level red warning for potentially life-threatening weather. The alert is in place from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday and covers western and southern Wales and the Bristol Channel coast.

The storm is likely to cause “significant disruption”, the Met Office said. More than 20,000 properties are without power in Wales.

Around three million people in the affected area received a government emergency alert on their mobiles on Friday evening giving advice about the storm.

The alert added that people should “consider gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items you already have at home”, in case of power cuts.

Friday’s message was the largest use yet of the UK warning system and made a loud siren-like sound when delivered to devices, lasting for around 10 seconds.

“Being outside in high winds makes you vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors if you can,” it said.

The highest wind gusts as of 04:00 GMT were recorded in Wales. Aberdaron in the north-west reported gusts of up to 91 mph, Aberporth had a top wind speed of 83 mph and 80 mph was recorded at Pembrey Sands.

The Met Office said the strong winds are expected to peak in the coming hours.

Across the Midlands and south-west England, more than 11,000 premises were without power at 05:30, according to the National Grid.

Bristol Airport warned passengers that “disruption is expected” over the weekend and passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.

Cardiff Airport said it will not operate flights during the red warning and advised travellers to contact their airline or tour operator.

Both bridges linking England and south Wales – the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and M48 Severn Bridge – have been closed.

In Wales, all domestic football and rugby matches scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled, as has Cardiff City’s Championship fixture against Watford which had been due to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

All of London’s Royal Parks will be closed on Saturday, including the Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park.

In Northern Ireland, where there is an amber weather warning until 21:00 GMT, multiple Christmas events have been cancelled this weekend.

Belfast City Council said its Christmas market would be closed on Saturday, while the Enchanted Winter Garden events at Antrim Castle Gardens had been cancelled for Friday and Saturday.

Amber weather warnings in Northern Ireland, Wales and western England are in place until Saturday morning, while other parts of the UK have lower-level yellow weather warnings.

Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of the season following Bert and Conall which caused severe flooding last month.