Storm Darragh chaos: Thousands without power as 93 MPH winds batter UK and Ireland
- Storm Darragh left thousands without power in UK and Ireland as 93 MPH winds through. A man died in northwest England when a tree fell on his van. Over 100 flood warnings were issued as trains, highways, and flights were disrupted. Nearly 400,000 homes in Ireland remain without electricity.
Thousands of residents in the UK and Ireland were left without power on Saturday as Storm Darragh tore through the region with winds reaching up to 93 miles per hour. The storm brought high winds, heavy rain, and widespread disruptions, leaving millions on high alert as emergency warnings were issued.
Fatality reported in Northwest England
One fatality was reported in northwest England, where a man in his 40s died when a tree fell onto his van on a highway near Preston, approximately 36 miles north of Manchester. This tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of the storm's fury.
Emergency alerts issued to millions
Officials sent out an emergency alert to around 3 million households in Wales and southwest England, with a loud siren-like warning urging residents to stay indoors. This marked the first major response to the storm’s dangerous conditions, as Storm Darragh—now the fourth named storm of the season—unleashed its strength across the region.
Flood warnings and red weather alert in effect
Flood warnings were issued, with over 100 alerts in place as heavy rain continued through the weekend. The UK Met Office escalated the risk level by issuing a red weather warning, the most serious type, due to the dangerous and unpredictable conditions.
Transportation disrupted
Roadways were severely impacted, with major highways and bridges closed to avoid further accidents. Train services across the UK were suspended, while flights in Dublin Airport faced cancellations as the storm continued its rampage.
Ireland grapples with power outages
In Ireland alone, nearly 400,000 homes, farms, and businesses were without electricity as a direct result of the storm's impact. These areas remain in recovery as repair efforts ramp up.
Storm Darragh follows recent flooding from Storm Bert
This comes just two weeks after Storm Bert caused devastating flooding across Wales and led to thousands losing power in Ireland. Storm Darragh's arrival highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the UK and Ireland to severe weather events during the winter months.
(With AP inputs)
Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Business NewsNewsWorldStorm Darragh chaos: Thousands without power as 93 MPH winds batter UK and Ireland
First Published:7 Dec 2024, 08:04 PM IST
- Top Gainers
- Top Losers
- 52 Week High