Storm Darragh has caused widespread disruption across the UK, and the effects of the storm are not quite over yet. While it’s not as intense as it was yesterday, strong winds will continue to impact the country through Sunday, making travel and daily activities challenging. If you’re planning to head out or are affected by the storm, here’s what you need to know.
As of Sunday morning, gusts reaching up to 70 mph are expected, particularly along coastal areas. Inland, winds will be slightly calmer, but even so, speeds of 40-50 mph are likely. These strong winds are expected to bring hazardous driving conditions, and if you're out on the roads, be prepared for the possibility of trees or debris blocking your path. In fact, public transport services are also experiencing major disruptions due to the storm. The Met Office issued a fresh yellow wind warning for all of England and Wales, which came into effect at 6 AM and is in place until 6 PM today. The gusty conditions could also lead to short-term power outages in some areas, further complicating the situation.
The latest information from the Energy Networks Association indicates that around 200,000 homes were still without power by 9 AM Sunday, a result of the storm’s widespread impact. However, there's a bit of good news: 88% of those affected by power cuts have had their electricity restored. Still, there are lingering challenges, particularly when it comes to the weather conditions that continue to batter the country. The Environment Agency is still issuing flood warnings, with more than 50 active warnings and over 130 flood alerts throughout England. Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales has issued nine flood warnings and 20 flood alerts in the region.
Even though the storm system itself has mostly cleared away towards the southeast, the effects are still being felt. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill explained that while it’s calmer than it was yesterday, it’s still far from “calm after the storm.” The tightly-packed isobars across the country indicate that strong winds will persist, especially in the morning. Coastal areas will continue to see gusts between 60-70 mph, while inland areas should expect winds around 40-50 mph.
Another concern is the rain. Central and eastern parts of England will likely experience heavy downpours throughout the day. If you’re in these areas, be ready for wet conditions, though there's a good chance that western regions will stay drier, with some occasional sunshine breaking through. As the day progresses, winds will slowly ease from the north, but conditions will still remain unstable until the evening.
The storm has led to several closures and travel delays across the UK. National Highways reported that both the M48 at Severn Bridge (between junctions 1 and 2) and the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge were closed due to the strong winds. Similarly, the A15 Humber Bridge was also closed to high-sided and vulnerable vehicles, as a safety precaution. This is important for travelers, as these bridges serve as key routes for those driving in and out of the affected areas.
Meanwhile, in Surrey, South Western Railway reported significant delays and alterations to services. Routes between Guildford and Effingham Junction, as well as through Farncombe, were disrupted due to trees blocking the track earlier in the morning. Travelers were advised to arrange their own taxis to nearby stations, such as Epsom. In other parts of the country, Avanti West Coast confirmed that all train lines were closed between Wolverhampton and Stafford due to a fallen tree, and disruptions are expected to continue throughout the day.
For those relying on ferry services, it’s worth noting that Wightlink, which operates between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, had to cancel several sailings, including the 10 AM and 12 PM services from Portsmouth, as well as the 11 AM and 1 PM services in the opposite direction. If you're planning to travel by ferry, make sure to check the updated schedules before heading out.
Emergency services across the West Midlands have been stretched thin, as more than 120 incidents were reported over the weekend, with over 700 weather-related calls handled by the region's fire service. West Midlands Police also reported fatalities linked to the storm, highlighting just how dangerous the conditions have been. Tragically, two men lost their lives on Saturday when trees fell onto their vehicles. One man was killed in Erdington, when a tree crashed into his car, and another man died in Lancashire when a tree fell onto his van.
Despite the challenging weather, temperatures for the day will remain near average for the time of year. However, the persistent winds will make it feel considerably colder, so you’ll want to bundle up if you're heading outside.
Storm Darragh itself was a force to be reckoned with, bringing gusts up to 93 mph to certain areas on Saturday. The storm caused widespread chaos, with millions being warned to stay indoors, tens of thousands left without power, and train services canceled. In addition to the tragic fatalities, the storm caused significant disruption across many sectors, from transportation to energy infrastructure.
As the storm moves out, it’s clear that the recovery will take time. Power restoration efforts are still ongoing, and flood warnings remain in effect for multiple regions. The next few days will bring calmer weather, but the legacy of Storm Darragh will be felt for some time as emergency services continue to deal with the aftermath.
In summary, while the storm is easing up, it’s not over just yet. Those in affected areas should still take precautions, particularly when it comes to strong winds and possible flooding. With disrupted transportation, power outages, and a persistent threat of severe weather, Sunday remains a day for caution. Stay informed, and take extra care if you're planning to head out.
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