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Storm Darragh batters Britain with 93mph winds as 'danger to life' warning in place and thousands left without power
7 December 2024, 07:51 | Updated: 7 December 2024, 15:47
Millions have been warned to stay indoor and thousands left without power as Storm Darragh sweeps through Britain, bringing with it winds in excess of 90mph.
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The rare red "danger to life" warning covers winds impacting the south west of England and Wales from 3am to 11am on Saturday, with train lines and other services warning of severe delays.
Overnight, the government's "risk to life" alert saw phones triggered across parts of the England and Wales, with the rare red alert coming into effect at 1am on Saturday.
It's the largest ever use of the warning system, with the alert urging residents to avoid driving and to "stay indoors if you can".
Winds bring a high risk of flying debris and falling trees, leaving many Christmas events and football matches cancelled or postponed across parts of the UK.
The Met Office confirmed that gusts of up to 93mph had been recorded in Capel Curig in North Wales and Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula overnight. Gusts of between 72-78mph were recorded along the coasts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Thousands of people across Northern Ireland, England and Wales have also been left without power.
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Second man dead in Darragh
Sad news this evening as the second fatality of Storm Darragh has been confirmed.
A man inside a car was crushed to death by a tree in Erdington just after 3pm today.
Sergeant Benjamin Parsons of West Midlands Police said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time, and his next of kin have been informed".
Trees, trees and a more trees
Trees have been the subject of the day, with countless trunks being brought down across the home nations.
One man tragically died after a tree came down on his van while driving on a dual carriageway in Preston.
Other reports show widespread destruction caused by falling trees.
More details emerge of Storm Darragh death
The man, believed to be in his 40s, was driving his Citroen van on the dual carriageway when the tree fell on to his vehicle causing serious injuries.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have confirmed his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer.
Detective sgt Matt Davidson, of the serious collision investigation unit said: "Very sadly this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time."
Major incident declared in Wales
A major incident has been declared in parts of Wales heavily impacted by Storm Darragh.
Dyfed-Powys Police said it was continuing to experience high volumes of calls about fallen trees and poor driving conditions.
Superintendent Chris Neve said: "I have this morning declared a major incident for the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, which means that together with our partners, we can call on the resources we need to respond to the challenges brought by Storm Darragh.
"I'd like to reassure the public that at this time, Dyfed-Powys Police is still able to respond to priority calls for service."
The officer said "robust plans" were in place to respond to emergencies.
Trainlines in Merseyside blocked
Train lines are blocked between Liverpool Lime Street and Newton-Le-Willows after an object was caught in overhead lines.
Northern Railway has said trains running to and from these stations will either be cancelled or delayed.
Man in his 40s first victim of Storm Darragh
A man in his 40s has become the first victim of Storm Darragh after tree fell onto his van.
The accident happened on dual carriageway in Lincolnshire, police have confirmed.
Storm causes damage at Plymouth Central Park
The impact of Storm Darragh continues to be seen, with images shared by Plymouth Central Park showing the effects of high winds.
The photo shows a caravan completely flattened by a tree which came down in high winds.
It's a path that hundreds would have used when walking to today's game.
The match was postponed earlier due to the storm.
First Minister of Wales has made announcement regarding Storm Darragh
An update announced by Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, addressing the disruption that Storm Darragh has caused across Wales.
The update shared thanks to emergency services and plans to restore the damage caused by the storm.
