Millions in England and Wales told to ‘stay home’
Millions of people in parts of Wales and southwest England have been told to stay at home as forecasters warned that Storm Dara could bring life-threatening wind gusts of up to 91 mph.
The Met Office issues the highest level red warning Prepare for potentially life-threatening weather. This alert is in effect from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday Covering west and south Wales and the Bristol Channel coast.
The Met Office said the storm could cause “serious damage”. More than 20,000 properties in Wales are without power.
About 3 million people in the affected areas received a government emergency alert on their mobile phones Friday night offering advice about the storm.
The alert also said people should “consider bringing flashlights, batteries, cell phone power packs and other essentials you already have at home” in case of a power outage.
Friday’s message is the largest use yet of Britain’s warning system, which emits a loud siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds when transmitted to the device.
“Being outside in strong winds can leave you vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors if you can,” it said.
As of 04:00 GMT, the strongest gusts were recorded in Wales. Aberdalen in the northwest reported gusts of up to 91mph, with peak winds of 83mph at Aberporth and 80mph at Pembrey Sands.
The Met Office said strong winds were expected to peak in the coming hours.
As of 05:30, more than 11,000 properties were without power across the Midlands and south-west England. According to State Grid.
Bristol Airport has warned passengers that “chaos is expected” over the weekend, advising passengers to check with their airline before traveling.
Cardiff Airport said it would not operate flights during the red warning period and advised travelers to contact their airline or travel agent.
Two bridges connecting England and South Wales – the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and the M48 Severn Bridge – are closed.
In Wales, all domestic football and rugby matches scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled, as has Cardiff City’s Championship match against Watford, which was due to kick off at 15:00 GMT.
All London’s royal parks will be closed on Saturday, including Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland attraction.
In Northern Ireland, a yellow weather warning is in effect until 21:00 GMT, with many Christmas events canceled this weekend.
Belfast City Council said its Christmas market will close on Saturday, while the Enchanted Winter Garden event in Antrim Castle Gardens has canceled its events on Friday and Saturday.
Yellow weather warnings are in place for Northern Ireland, Wales and the west of England until Saturday morning, while lower-level yellow weather warnings have been issued for the rest of the UK.
Storm Darla is the fourth named storm of the season, following Burt and Conor, which caused severe flooding last month.
