Thousands of properties in County Durham and Darlington have been left without power, amid wind and rain brought by Storm Darragh.
According to the Met Office forecast for Saturday (December 7), the storm is expected to peak during the late morning and early afternoon, posing significant challenges and potential dangers.
Here’s what to expect during this peak period:
Wind Gusts: Gusts are predicted to reach up to 66 mph by 1pm. These gale-force winds are severe enough to cause significant disruption, with risks of falling trees, flying debris, and potential damage to buildings.
Heavy Rain: Persistent heavy rain is forecast with a ≥95% chance of precipitation throughout the day, compounding the impact of high winds and increasing the risk of localized flooding.
"Feels Like" Temperatures: The bitterly cold winds will make temperatures feel as low as 0°C or even colder, despite actual temperatures hovering around 6–8°C.
Impacts of the Peak
Travel Disruptions: Train services across the UK are severely affected, with National Rail warning of last-minute cancellations. Roads may also be impacted by flooding or debris, particularly in coastal areas.
Power Cuts: Strong winds are likely to bring down power lines, with thousands already reported without power in the region. Mobile phone services and other utilities may also be disrupted.
Dangerous Conditions: Flying debris, falling trees, and large waves pose a serious risk to life, particularly along coastal areas and exposed roads.
Recommended reading:
- 'Lifeline' community grocery initiative opens in Darlington with huge response
- Storm Darragh LIVE: Roads closed and events cancelled as County Durham prepares for 'risk to life' storm
- County Durham location identified by M&S for potential store opening
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Alongside disruption to roads and public transport, homes have been left without power.
We have rounded up all of the properties in County Durham and Darlington that don't have power.
Unplanned Power Cuts in DH and DL Postcodes (07 Dec 2024)
- 2450 Properties Impacted: DL13 3EJ, DL13 3AE
- 1220 Properties Impacted: DL17 0RJ, DL17 0QF
- 20 Properties Impacted: DH7 8DH, DH7 8DJ
- 140 Properties Impacted: DH6 2RN, DH6 2RR
- 450 Properties Impacted: DH7 9AU, DH7 9BB
- 190 Properties Impacted: DL17 0PX, DL17 0PN
- 20 Properties Impacted: DH1 5BL, DH1 5EE
- 490 Properties Impacted: DL2 1SN, DL2 1SU
*This information is correct at the time of writing at 2pm on December 7 and comes directly from Northern Powergrid.
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