Storm Darragh continues to batter the UK as parts of the country endure gusts of 93mph.
Millions of people have been warned to stay indoors, thousands are without power, and trains have been cancelled as the Government’s “risk to life” alert came into force.
The emergency alert came into effect at 1am on Saturday and was sent to people within the area covered by the Met Office’s rare red warning for wind in parts of Wales and south-west England.
It was the largest use of the warning system yet, with the alert urging residents to avoid driving and to “stay indoors if you can”.
Storm Darragh at the Cliffs of Moher this morning. 🌪️🌪️🌪️#stormdarragh #cliffsofmoher #ireland
— Elaine Farrell Photography (@_EFarrellPhoto) December 7, 2024
Check back later for some cool shots.
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Speaking to Sky News, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the storm as a “challenging situation”.
He added: “About three million homes will have had the emergency alert system to their mobile phone. I would just encourage anyone who has had that to follow the advice.”
He added: “Where you can, stay inside, don’t put yourself at risk, and just follow the advice at all times.”
The Cabinet Office’s emergency alert system sent a message to every compatible mobile phone in the impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe.
Mobile phones made a loud siren-like sound even if they were set on silent, with the sound and vibration lasting for about 10 seconds, although some people claimed they did not receive it.
The Met Office confirmed to the PA news agency that wind gusts of up to 93mph were recorded overnight in Capel Curig in North Wales, with 92mph in Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula.
Winds in other parts of Wales topped 80mph, while gusts of up to 77mph were recorded in Northern Ireland and south-west England, the forecaster said.
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National Highways said both the Prince of Wales Bridge, M4 and the Severn Bridge, M48, which connect South West England to Wales were closed due to strong winds.
Network Rail Wales said owing to a fallen tree, all train services on the North Wales Coast Line are suspended until further notice.
National Highways advised the QEII Bridge at Dartford Crossing in England’s South East had also been closed due to strong winds.
The Merseyside Premier League derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park that was due to kick off at lunchtime was postponed.
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