UK weather: Storm Darragh to bring 80mph gusts as amber wind warning issued

An amber wind warning has been announced for many areas across the UK, indicating a risk of power outages and flying debris due to the onset of the fourth named storm of the season.

Storm Darragh is anticipated to bring wind speeds of up to 80 mph along with heavy rainfall starting late on Friday and continuing into Saturday.

A warning for "potentially harmful" winds will be active on Saturday from 3 AM to 9 PM, affecting the UK's west coast from South Ayrshire in Scotland all the way down to Cornwall, including Northern Ireland.

On Thursday, the Met Office released a yellow alert for wind and rain affecting various areas in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England. This warning was expanded on Friday to include regions in the north-east and south of England.

The Met Office warned that flying objects could pose serious risks to people and potentially cause injuries, while structures might sustain damage, like roofing tiles being blown away. Residents should prepare for power outages and anticipate high waves. Some roads and bridges might be shut down, and falling trees could create further dangers.

Simon Partridge, a lead forecaster at the Met Office, warned that conditions are expected to be "extremely hazardous," especially in coastal regions. He advised, "If you don't have a compelling reason to be outside on Saturday, it's wise to stay indoors, especially if you reside in areas affected by the amber wind warning."

"Seventy-mile-per-hour winds can be hazardous, and as the alerts indicate, there is a potential threat to safety. We are expecting a period of very gusty weather. Typically, amber warnings cover smaller regions, but due to the storm's path, a significant portion of the UK will be impacted."

The alerts are being issued due to low-pressure systems being pushed toward the UK by the jet stream, which is a high-altitude wind current. In the center of the jet stream, wind speeds are anticipated to exceed 240 mph, caused by frigid air moving in from the northern United States and Canada.

The Met Office officially named Storm Darragh on Thursday morning. The naming system follows an alphabetical sequence, with this season beginning with the names Ashley, Bert, and Conall.

Last week, concerns were voiced about the inadequate flood warnings following Storm Bert, which caused significant damage in some areas of south Wales and the south-west of England, as a month’s worth of rain fell on already drenched towns and villages.

Intense and frequent heavy rainfall is increasingly occurring globally due to climate change driven by human activities. Warmer air has the capacity to retain more moisture, leading to these extreme weather events.

As a result, flooding is likely occurring more often and with greater intensity in these areas. However, it is also influenced by additional elements, such as the presence of flood protection measures and how the land is utilized.