Millions sent alert as Storm Darragh barrels into Britain

Around 3 million people in Wales and southwest England have been sent an emergency alert by the government with Storm Darragh set to batter parts of the UK today.

- ALEX CROFT

The message warned people of a risk of a “danger to life” as a result of “flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas”.

The “severe alert” made a siren noise for around 10 seconds to warn people within the area set to be worst affected by Storm Darragh.

Government warnings came after a rare red weather warning was issued by the Met Office for today. Life-threatening 90mph winds are expected to strike Wales and parts of southwestern England, along with a likelihood of significant disruption to travel and damage to buildings and homes.

Delays and cancellations to bus, trains, ferry services and flights are all expected, the Met Office says, with power outages and cuts to mobile phone service also possible.

The government’s phone alert advises those within the warning area to “consider gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items you already have at home”.

People should stay indoors if possible as it is “not safe to drive in these conditions”, the alert adds.

The Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park, London, also announced it will close today due to the strong winds. It is expected to reopen on Sunday.