The Met Office has issued a red wind warning for parts of the UK as Storm Darragh approaches, bringing severe weather conditions starting later today and continuing into Saturday.
The storm is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and the potential for snow, affecting large parts of the country. National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued, with red, amber, and yellow alerts in place across various regions.
Warnings in Effect
- Yellow wind warning: Covers most of the UK, excluding central and northern Scotland, from 3 PM today to 6 AM Sunday.
- Yellow rain warnings: Issued for Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.
- Amber rain warning: In place for parts of Wales tomorrow.
- Snow warning: For parts of Scotland overnight.
The red wind warning, starting at 1 AM Saturday, is expected to bring gusts of up to 90 mph along the coasts of west and south Wales and through the Bristol Channel, with large waves impacting exposed coastal areas.
Met Office Statement
Jason Kelly, Met Office Chief Forecaster, said:
“The worst impacts from Storm Darragh will be felt through the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout Saturday. In the red warning area, wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour are expected, especially along coasts.
“While impacts are most likely in red and amber warning areas, the whole country could see disruptive weather. People should check the latest forecasts and prepare accordingly, particularly if planning to be out and about on Saturday.”
Travel Safety
Dale Hipkiss, Duty Manager at National Highways, advised drivers to:
- Prepare in advance for journeys and take extra care on roads.
- Adjust driving behaviour to manage challenging weather conditions.
- Check vehicles, including tyres, coolant, and oil levels, to reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Weather Outlook
Behind Storm Darragh, colder northerly winds are expected to bring overnight frosts and the possibility of wintry showers on high ground Sunday. By Monday, high pressure is forecast to settle over the UK, bringing more stable conditions with a risk of overnight frost and fog, particularly in northern regions.
Stay Updated
For the latest updates, visit the Met Office website, follow them on YouTube, X (Twitter), and Facebook, or download the Met Office mobile app for iPhone and Android.
Storm Naming
Storm Darragh is part of the western storm naming group, a collaboration between the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. For more information about how storms are named, visit the Met Office’s storm naming page.
Stay safe and prepared for the severe weather ahead. Further updates will follow as the situation develops.
