The UK is currently facing a formidable weather situation as Storm Dar makes landfall, bringing with it hazardous winds and severe weather warnings. With the Met Office issuing a red danger to life weather warning for parts of Wales and the southwest of England, officials are predicting significant impacts that could disrupt daily life for millions.
Reports indicate that wind speeds have already reached up to 90 mph, prompting the Met Office to warn of potential hazards such as flying debris and falling trees. This storm is forecasted to be the worst the UK has encountered in over two years. In response to the dangerous conditions, authorities have advised the public to stay indoors and avoid travel.
A separate amber warning has been extended all the way from Southern Scotland to Cornwall, supplemented by a yellow warning affecting nearly all other regions of the country. The urgency of these warnings culminated last night when the UK government dispatched alerts to millions at risk, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the likelihood of power outages.
In South Wales, correspondent Lisa Dow reports from an area close to Cardiff, where the turbulent conditions are clearly visible. Residents have received alarming text alerts about the life-threatening risks posed by the storm, yet some individuals have been spotted swimming despite the warnings.
Bridges critical to travel in the region, such as the Severn Bridge and the Prince of Wales Bridge, have been closed, causing significant disruptions. Cardiff Airport has also temporarily shut its runway until further notice.
Major public events, including football and rugby matches, have been cancelled, contributing to the sense of disruption across the region. Fallen trees are obstructing major roads, leading to more delays, and thousands of properties are currently without power. In fact, more than 36,000 buildings in Wales and over 16,000 in the southwest of England are experiencing outages.
The storm is wreaking havoc on travel across the UK. Not only are there numerous cancelled and delayed flights from airports in Bristol, Cardiff, Cork, and Dublin, but National Rail has also reported significant disruptions on various lines. As of now, train services west of Cardiff have been suspended due to a fallen tree on the tracks, demonstrating the immediate and tangible impacts of the storm.
Multiple holiday events, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and various Christmas markets across the country, have also faced cancellation due to safety concerns stemming from Storm Dar's severe weather.
Sky meteorologist Kirsty McCabe provided insights into the categorization of the storm warnings. The Met Office employs a traffic light system that ranges from yellow (alert) to amber (warning) and culminates in red (danger to life). The criteria for issuing a red warning involve a comprehensive analysis of forecasted wind speeds, rainfall amounts, and the potential impact on people and infrastructure. It’s important to note that red warnings are not issued lightly; on average, only one or two are declared each year.
McCabe mentioned that people should avoid outdoor activities today, including putting up Christmas decorations, as the storm's ferocity poses a significant threat to safety.
As Storm Dar continues to influence the weather across the UK, authorities are emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prioritizing safety. With millions of residents under severe weather warnings, the atmosphere is charged with urgency and caution. The public is encouraged to remain indoors and prepare for potential further impacts, especially in the hardest-hit regions. As we move through the weekend, the situation will continue to develop, and it is vital to heed all guidance from officials and meteorologists.
Part 1/7:
Storm Dar Hits the UK: A Comprehensive Overview
The UK is currently facing a formidable weather situation as Storm Dar makes landfall, bringing with it hazardous winds and severe weather warnings. With the Met Office issuing a red danger to life weather warning for parts of Wales and the southwest of England, officials are predicting significant impacts that could disrupt daily life for millions.
The Severity of the Situation
Part 2/7:
Reports indicate that wind speeds have already reached up to 90 mph, prompting the Met Office to warn of potential hazards such as flying debris and falling trees. This storm is forecasted to be the worst the UK has encountered in over two years. In response to the dangerous conditions, authorities have advised the public to stay indoors and avoid travel.
A separate amber warning has been extended all the way from Southern Scotland to Cornwall, supplemented by a yellow warning affecting nearly all other regions of the country. The urgency of these warnings culminated last night when the UK government dispatched alerts to millions at risk, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the likelihood of power outages.
Live Updates from Affected Areas
Part 3/7:
In South Wales, correspondent Lisa Dow reports from an area close to Cardiff, where the turbulent conditions are clearly visible. Residents have received alarming text alerts about the life-threatening risks posed by the storm, yet some individuals have been spotted swimming despite the warnings.
Bridges critical to travel in the region, such as the Severn Bridge and the Prince of Wales Bridge, have been closed, causing significant disruptions. Cardiff Airport has also temporarily shut its runway until further notice.
Part 4/7:
Major public events, including football and rugby matches, have been cancelled, contributing to the sense of disruption across the region. Fallen trees are obstructing major roads, leading to more delays, and thousands of properties are currently without power. In fact, more than 36,000 buildings in Wales and over 16,000 in the southwest of England are experiencing outages.
Impact on Transportation
Part 5/7:
The storm is wreaking havoc on travel across the UK. Not only are there numerous cancelled and delayed flights from airports in Bristol, Cardiff, Cork, and Dublin, but National Rail has also reported significant disruptions on various lines. As of now, train services west of Cardiff have been suspended due to a fallen tree on the tracks, demonstrating the immediate and tangible impacts of the storm.
Multiple holiday events, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and various Christmas markets across the country, have also faced cancellation due to safety concerns stemming from Storm Dar's severe weather.
Understanding the Warnings
Part 6/7:
Sky meteorologist Kirsty McCabe provided insights into the categorization of the storm warnings. The Met Office employs a traffic light system that ranges from yellow (alert) to amber (warning) and culminates in red (danger to life). The criteria for issuing a red warning involve a comprehensive analysis of forecasted wind speeds, rainfall amounts, and the potential impact on people and infrastructure. It’s important to note that red warnings are not issued lightly; on average, only one or two are declared each year.
McCabe mentioned that people should avoid outdoor activities today, including putting up Christmas decorations, as the storm's ferocity poses a significant threat to safety.
Conclusion
Part 7/7:
As Storm Dar continues to influence the weather across the UK, authorities are emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prioritizing safety. With millions of residents under severe weather warnings, the atmosphere is charged with urgency and caution. The public is encouraged to remain indoors and prepare for potential further impacts, especially in the hardest-hit regions. As we move through the weekend, the situation will continue to develop, and it is vital to heed all guidance from officials and meteorologists.