Storm Darragh, the fourth named storm of the season, has caused widespread devastation across the UK and Ireland, leaving two people dead, tens of thousands of homes without power, and major travel disruptions in its wake.
Fatalities and Major Incidents Declared
Two men lost their lives after trees fell on their cars in separate incidents in Lancashire and the West Midlands.
- The Welsh government declared a “major incident,” citing significant effects on transportation, energy infrastructure, and properties.
- Gusts of up to 150 km/h (93 mph) were recorded, with the Met Office issuing a rare red alert for high winds.
Power Outages Impact Thousands
As of Saturday afternoon:
- 177,000 homes in England, Scotland, and Wales were without power.
- Northern Ireland faced similar challenges, with thousands cut off from electricity.
- In Ireland, 175,000 homes were powerless, with ESB Networks reporting “widespread and extensive damage to infrastructure.”
Travel Disruptions and Safety Closures
The storm has severely disrupted transportation:
- Trains were suspended on routes like Glasgow to Edinburgh and across Wales.
- Rail operator CrossCountry issued a “do not travel” advisory due to severe delays.
- Several bridges in southern England and Wales were closed, and fallen trees blocked critical routes.
- Flights were canceled at Dublin Airport, and bus services in Northern Ireland faced delays.
Flood Warnings and Ongoing Risks
The UK’s Environment Agency issued dozens of flood warnings, with amber alerts indicating potential risks to life and property across large regions. The impact of Storm Darragh comes just weeks after Storm Bert caused similar devastation.
Postponements and Community Impact
The storm forced cancellations of Christmas markets and sports events, including the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton. Authorities warn that the disruption and recovery efforts could continue for several days.
A Region Struggles to Recover
Storm Darragh has left a trail of destruction, testing the resilience of communities across the UK and Ireland. With flood warnings still active and restoration efforts underway, the storm’s impact will likely be felt for days to come.
