A rare red warning for wind, which warns of significant disruption and a “danger to life”, has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Wales and South West England on Saturday as Storm Darragh hits the UK.
Gale-force winds are set to sweep through the regions on Saturday at around 3am. The high winds are expected to continue lashing the areas until 11am. The Red warning for wind was issued at 9.48am on Friday, December 6.
A Met Office forecast said: “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.”
A separate amber warning covering a larger swathe of the west coast of the UK, stretching from Scotland to Cornwall, is in place until 9pm.
What Met Office red ‘danger to life’ warning means
A red warning means there is ‘danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees’. Power cuts are also likely, affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Roads, bridges and railway lines could be closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.
There is also likely to be damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down. Coastal areas are likely to see large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.
What should you do?
The Met Office says people should keep themselves and others safe. Avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions. It is not safe to drive in these conditions.
Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include Christmas decorations, bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.
The Met Office says: “Being outside in high winds makes you vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors if you can. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance.
“It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you live or work on the coast, beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
“In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.”
What are weather warnings?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area. A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk. A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling. The Red weather alert for wind will remain in place until 11am on Saturday.