Met Office issues rare red wind warning as Storm Darragh approaches

6th Dec 2024

The Met Office has today issued a red wind warning for large parts of the UK – and drivers should be prepared.

According to the announcement, Storm Darragh will bring strong winds and gusts to large parts of the UK from later today and into the weekend.

A large area of low pressure will also bring some heavy rain to much of the country.

Red, amber, and yellow National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued by the Met Office.

The latest weather data has resulted in a large yellow wind warning covering the UK being issued. It is currently in place in central and northern Scotland, together with yellow rain warnings for Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Amber rain warnings are also in place in parts of Wales, and into Saturday.

The Met Office has also stated that there is also a risk of in northern England and parts of Scotland for tonight.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Jason Kelly, said: “The worst impacts from Storm Darragh will be felt as we go through the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout Saturday with, in addition to the broad yellow warning, red and amber wind warnings in place from 1 am tomorrow.

“In the red warning area, we could see wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour along the coasts of west and south Wales as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel, with some very large waves on exposed beaches.

“Although there is a lower likelihood of impacts outside of the red and amber warning areas this doesn’t mean you won’t see them. We are likely to see impacts across the whole of the country and people should keep an eye on the latest forecast details and prepare for the bad weather, especially if planning to be out and about on Saturday.

“Some areas are likely to have a relatively quiet start to Saturday, weather-wise, but winds will quickly increase from the west through the day.”

RAC Breakdown 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.”