Power cuts, train cancellations as Storm Darragh batters UK

Tens of thousands of people across the UK woke up without power on Saturday morning after Storm Darragh lashed the country with fierce winds and heavy rain, causing widespread pre-Christmas disruption. The Met Office had issued a rare red alert for high winds overnight, covering parts of Wales and southwest England, warning residents to stay indoors. The government’s emergency alert system sent siren-like messages to three million phones in the affected areas on Friday night.

Gusts of nearly 90 mph battered the west of Wales and northwest England, with waves crashing dramatically along coastal areas like Porthcawl. In Wales alone, over 50,000 people were left without electricity, while the Energy Networks Association reported power cuts affecting 86,000 homes across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The storm, the fourth named of the season, also brought widespread travel chaos. Network Rail Wales suspended trains on the northern coast due to fallen trees, while bridges across southern England and Wales were closed for safety. In Northern Ireland, thousands lost power, and several bus and train services were canceled or delayed. Dublin Airport reported numerous flight cancellations on Saturday morning as the storm extended its reach into Ireland, where 400,000 homes were left without electricity.

Sporting events and festive activities faced the brunt of the storm’s impact. The Premier League Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton was postponed, as were Christmas markets in several regions. An amber warning, indicating a potential risk to life and property, remains in place for a broader stretch of the UK and Northern Ireland until Saturday night.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the storm as a “challenging situation” and urged those receiving emergency alerts to heed advice. The Met Office warned of continued heavy rain and issued over 100 flood warnings across the UK, with the risk of further power outages and travel disruptions as the weekend progresses.

Storm Darragh follows closely on the heels of Storm Bert, which caused severe flooding and power cuts two weeks ago. As communities brace for recovery efforts, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and assist those affected.