Storm Darragh latest: Met Office issues most extreme red weather warning

Welsh deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies has warned there may be very significant impacts from the storm and urged people to take extreme care this weekend.

“Red warnings are issued when there is a potential threat to life, and therefore it is essential that people in Wales heed the warnings and take very great care if they are travelling on Saturday,” he said.

“Welsh local authorities, emergency services and Natural Resources Wales have activated their preparedness structures in readiness for Storm Darragh. I urge people to make sure they are aware of the warning levels for their local area and to follow all official advice.”

With winds of up to 90mph forecast along some coastal areas, Stena Line said the storm would be “impacting” some ferries over the coming days, and Bristol Airport said disruption was expected.

National Rail said the storm is likely to affect services across the whole network, advising people to check their journey in full before travelling as it may mean last services of the day are cancelled and passengers may not reach their destination.

Longleat Safari Park will be closed to visitors on Saturay as Storm Darragh batters the country.

The Swindon Advertiser quoted a spokesperson for the Wiltshire safari park as saying: “We are sorry but due to the weather forecast, we have taken the decision to close on Saturday to ensure you are kept safe … We are currently planning to re-open on Sunday. If that changes we will update our website and social media.”

The park is home to 120 species, including aardvarks, elephants, crocodiles, lions and cheetahs.

As Storm Darragh batters the UK, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced that all football matches scheduled for Saturday 7 December have been postponed.

The Met Office has issued its most extreme red weather warning, with Storm Darragh bringing life-threatening 90mph winds in Wales and parts of southwestern England.

The FAW have followed advice from the Met Office to call off all Saturday football in the country, with Friday and Sunday matches set to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

My colleague Luke Baker has more details here:

HM Coastguard has issued a warning to stay well away from the coast as winds are expected to reach up to 90mph in areas with exposed coastlines.

The Met Office has issued guidance on how to protect yourself from strong winds which includes protecting your property from damage and people from injury.

Forecasters advise that you make sure any loose items such as bins, pots, garden furniture, and trampolines have been safely secured, with any shed and garage doors locked. If you live near the coast, make sure to check the forecasts and be careful if walking near cliffs, ensuring any dogs are kept on a lead.

You should also make sure you plan your route before setting off, by listening for travel updates and checking for road closures and delays, the Met Office says. Make sure you take a fully charged mobile phone and keep any essentials such as warm clothing and a torch in your car.

You can read more in this report:

Red is the most serious weather warning the Met Office can issue. It means dangerous weather is expected and people are urged to take action to keep themselves and others safe.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said red warnings are given based on “the impact, not the severity” of the weather.

Red warnings are issued “relatively infrequently”, according to the Met Office.

The last red warning in the UK was issued in January for winds in north-east Scotland. Gusts of up to 99mph from Storm Isha killed two people and left tens of thousands of homes without power.

Since the Met Office began issuing red warnings in 2011, there have been 20, with typically one or two a year.

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “A red weather warning is highly unusual and should be heeded as it can indicate a risk to life.

“With parts of Wales and the South West set to be battered by the wind between 3am and 11am on Saturday, we strongly advise drivers to postpone their journeys if they can.

“Anyone who must drive should stick to major roads, reduce their speed significantly, always keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and be on high alert for debris in the road.

“Exposed rural and coastal routes will be particularly treacherous. Drivers in these areas should be wary of any high-sided vehicles as they are at risk of being buffeted off course or, worse still, blown over.

“We also suggest parking well away from large trees due to the danger of falling branches or whole trees being uprooted.”

According to the Met Office, colder northly winds will move across the UK behind Storm Darragh – bringing a risk of overnight frosts and the chance of some wintry showers mostly over high ground on Sunday.

The national forecaster said: “As we go through Monday high pressure becomes centred over the UK and conditions become much more settled with an increasing risk of overnight frost and fog, especially in northern parts of the UK.”

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.”