Storm Darragh latest: Met Office issues most extreme red weather warning

Liverpool FC has advised its fans to “remain alert” and “take extra care” before their away Merseyside derby fixture at Everton’s Goodison Park.

The club said in a statement: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel and remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.

“An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am GMT on Saturday, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely. The warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday.

“Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and take extra care.

“Supporters are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for the Premier League fixture (12.30pm kick-off).”

Tornadoes could strike the UK as Storm Darragh prepares to wreak havoc, a storm research body has said.

“Wind gusts to around 70-75mph could accompany the stronger cores, and one or tornadoes are possible too,” said the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro), a privatrely-supported and volunteer-led research body which specialises in severe convective weather in Britain and Ireland.

The entirety of Ireland, Wales, and most of England – barring parts of the north and east – are expected to be in affected areas, according to a map published by Torro in its update on Friday afternoon.

The red alert is the first of its kind to be issued since Storm Isha in January, with forecasters warning of significant disruption, including damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.

And the FAW have followed advice from the Met Office to call off all Saturday football in the country, with Friday and Sunday matches set to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Longleat Safari Park will be closed to visitors on Saturay as Storm Darragh batters the country.

The Swindon Advertiser quoted a spokesperson for the Wiltshire safari park as saying: “We are sorry but due to the weather forecast, we have taken the decision to close on Saturday to ensure you are kept safe … We are currently planning to re-open on Sunday. If that changes we will update our website and social media.”

The park is home to 120 species, including aardvarks, elephants, crocodiles, lions and cheetahs.

A rare red warning for high winds has been issued by the Met Office as Storm Darragh hits the UK, which warns of significant disruption and a “danger to life”.

There could also be damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, as well as power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

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RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “A red weather warning is highly unusual and should be heeded as it can indicate a risk to life.

“With parts of Wales and the South West set to be battered by the wind between 3am and 11am on Saturday, we strongly advise drivers to postpone their journeys if they can.

“Anyone who must drive should stick to major roads, reduce their speed significantly, always keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and be on high alert for debris in the road.

“Exposed rural and coastal routes will be particularly treacherous. Drivers in these areas should be wary of any high-sided vehicles as they are at risk of being buffeted off course or, worse still, blown over.

“We also suggest parking well away from large trees due to the danger of falling branches or whole trees being uprooted.”

A christmas market in Chiswick has been cancelled as a result of the dangerous winds amid Storm Darragh.

The christmas market was set to offer handmade gifts, jewellery, christmas carols sung by a performing arts choir, and story telling by Santa.

But the kids booked in with the big red man will have to reschedule their appointments after heavy winds prompted organisers to call off the festive event.

Xanthe Arvanitakis, director of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, told Chiswick Calendar: “It’s really disappointing, but what can we do? We’ve been told winds of 40mph are expected, which just makes it too dangerous to open the park.

“We have lost that income, but also the stallholders will have lost the opportunity to earn money. We are doing everything we can, we hope the public will understand.”

It is rare for the Met Office to issue red weather warnings. Here are some recent examples:

Heatwave, July 2022

A heatwave in mid-July 2022 saw temperatures reach unprecedented levels in many parts of the UK, passing 40C for the first time on July 19 and peaking at 40.3C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

The conditions prompted the Met Office to issue its first ever red warning for extreme heat, covering much of central and southern England, while the government declared a national emergency.

Storm Eunice, February 2022

Two red warnings for wind were issued for Storm Eunice, covering areas of south-west and south-east England.

It was the most severe and damaging storm to affect England and Wales since 2014, with winds of more than 81mph in exposed coastal locations and a gust of 122mph recorded on the Needles off the coast of the Isle of Wight, setting a new England gust speed record.

Storm Arwen, November 2021

A red warning for wind was issued for Storm Arwen, running down the eastern edge of the UK from Aberdeen to Newcastle.

The storm saw wind speeds of more than 69mph in many areas of Scotland and northern England, with a gust of 98mph recorded at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland.

More than one million homes lost power, three people died when they were hit by falling trees, and rail passengers in Aberdeenshire were stuck on a train overnight.

Storm Dennis, February 2020

A red warning for rain was issued for parts of South Wales during storm Dennis. The storm brought very strong winds, but the worst of the disruption was caused by exceptionally heavy rain.