STORMING IN
Millions get emergency alerts sent to phones as Storm Darragh brings 90mph ‘danger to life’ wind, heavy rain and floods
Up to 60mm of rain could fall during the warning period
MILLIONS received emergency government phone alerts as Storm Darragh brings 90mph gales and "danger to life" warnings.
The fourth named storm of the season is expected wreak havoc as it sweeps across the UK this weekend.
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The storm has already hit Ireland and sparked chaos for those affected by the Met Eireann's highest level of alert.
Taoiseach Simon Harris urged those affected by red warnings across seven counties to take them "extraordinarily seriously" and warned people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
It comes after the government sent an urgent mobile phone warning to millions of Brits tonight as Storm Darragh nears closer to the UK.
A message was issued at around 6.45pm, confirmed the Cabinet Office.
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The spokesperson said: "The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe into Saturday.
"This will be the largest ever use of the system outside a test scenario.
"Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds."
It comes as the Met Office issued a red wind warning in force for the coast of Wales from 3am until 11am tomorrow.
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Send your pictures and videos of the storm to Harry Goodwin: [email protected]
The red alert states: "A period of extremely strong winds will develop during the early hours of Saturday morning as Storm Darragh moves across the Irish Sea.
"Gusts of 90 mph or more are possible over coasts and hills of west and south Wales, as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel with some very large waves on exposed beaches.
"The strongest winds will begin to ease from late morning, though it will remain very windy with Amber wind warnings still in force until the evening."
Locals face a "danger to life" from flying debris and falling trees, forecasters said.
Large waves and beach material will likely crash onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.
Power cuts will affect other services in the warning zone such as mobile phone coverage, it is feared.
The storm could damage buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
Roads, bridges and railway lines will be closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.
The Met Office has also put out an amber warning for "potentially damaging" winds along the west coast of the UK from South Ayrshire in Scotland down to Cornwall, as well as in Northern Ireland, tomorrow from 3am until 9pm.
Belton House in Lincolnshire has cancelled its renowned Christmas lights trail because of the high wind.
Brighton's Winter Fayre has also been forced to close this weekend due to the storm.
Snow could also hit hilly areas of northern England tomorrow with a period of snow also expected to affect the higher ground of Scotland this evening and overnight.
GOVERNMENT WARNING
It is understood that people will have received the alert if they live in the following areas:
- Devon
- Bath
- North East Somerset
- City of Bristol
- North Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Somerset
- Isle of Anglesey
- Gwynedd
- Conwy
- Ceredigion
- Pembrokeshire
- Carmarthenshire
- Swansea
- Neath Port Talbot
- Bridgend
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Cardiff
- Monmouthshire
- Newport
A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office added: "The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption."
About 2 to 5cm of snow will fall above 200 or 300m with 10 to 20cm above 400m bringing difficult travelling conditions and some disruption to higher routes.
A yellow warning for rain came into place for Northern Ireland and Wales, at 3pm today and will last until 12pm tomorrow.
Up to 60mm of rain could fall in these areas during the warning period, which may lead to some flooding and disruption, forecasters said.
Rhondda Cynon Taf, where between 200 and 300 properties were flooded during Storm Bert last month, is set to be hit by heavy rain once again.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued more than 30 flood alerts and warnings.
The Environment Agency (EA) in England has more than 20 red flood warnings in place, which mean flooding is expected and residents and business owners should "act now".
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said the weather service is "a bit concerned" about the risk of flooding in parts of Wales and Northern Ireland where there is "heightened sensitivity" due to recent heavy rainfall.
Met Office map shows Storm Darragh hitting UK today ahead of amber warning
Mr Stroud added: "The wind particularly is set to be reasonably disruptive and potentially quite damaging.
"We are rather concerned about the strength of the winds affecting the Irish sea coasts and this is likely to have impacts on Irish ferry services.
"Trees could come down onto roads and people need to be aware of this and allow extra time for travel, especially in rural spots."
Strong gusts are forecast to batter the country and the Met Office said the wind may cause disruption to travel with difficult driving conditions likely.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
A fine but chilly start, with scattered showers affecting parts of north and west Scotland during the morning.
Cloud building from the west with rain, heavy at times reaching western areas during the afternoon. Winds will strengthen, with gales developing.
Tonight:
Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times will move east overnight, as winds continue to strengthen with gales and later severe gales develop as Storm Darragh arrives. Mild
Saturday:
Wet and very windy on Saturday, with severe gales possible in places, particularly in the west with Storm Darragh.
Rain falling as snow across parts of northern Scotland.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Turning colder on Sunday and Monday with showers and blustery winds gradually easing.
Drier and brighter later Monday and into Tuesday as high pressure build with some mist and fog.
A yellow weather warning for wind for all of the UK, except for central and northern Scotland, also began at 3pm today and lasts until 6am on Sunday.
The Met Office warned that flying debris could cause injury or danger to life.
National Highways, which runs the UK's motorways and busiest A-roads, has issued a severe weather alert starting tomorrow.
It has warned motorists in the South West and North West to prepare for gale force winds.
It said routes likely to be affected by the strongest winds include the M5 in northern Somerset, the A30 in Cornwall and the M6 in Cheshire.
Severe winds are already affecting travel in parts of the country with the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire closed on Thursday night because of gusty weather.
The EA said it is carefully monitoring the progress of the storm ahead of the weekend.
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Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the EA, said: "EA teams are out on the ground and will support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
"We urge people not to drive though flood water - it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car."
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