Storm Darragh is set to ravage large parts of the country, including Northwest England, on Friday and Saturday with more than 130 flood alerts issued by the Environment Agency
Storm Darragh poses a “danger to life” today, the Met Office has warned.
Massive waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, seafronts and properties will pose a threat severe enough to risk lives, especially along England and Wales’s west coasts today.
Forecasters understand gusts of up to 80mph are likely, particularly along coastal areas in north Wales tonight, and Devon and Cornwall on Saturday. The Met Office website reads: “Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties… Some roads and bridges likely to close, with falling trees an additional hazard.”
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.
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.”
More than 130 flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. Some 36 of these concern parts of Wales while the majority of England’s alerts are for waterways across the Northwest of England. Several points along the River Irwell in Lancashire are subject to flood warnings, the more severe of the alerts.
Storm Darragh will move from the west to the east and clear during Saturday. However, weather warnings remain in place for wind until Sunday at 6am. These concern all of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of southern Scotland.
But the severest of the storm will be on Friday afternoon and evening, particularly across Northern Ireland and the Northwest of England. Rain – up to 60mm in less than 24 hours in places – may lead to some transport disruption from late Friday through Saturday morning, say forecasters.
Dale Hipkiss, Duty Manager at National Highways, said: “If you’re planning to drive over the next few days, prepare in advance for the journey and take extra care on the roads. If weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible. It’s also a good idea for drivers to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
