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Author Topic: Storm Darragh to batter UK amid weather warnings for rain and 80mph winds  (Read 3443 times)
Chris from Nailsea
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« on: December 05, 2024, 16:06:33 »

From the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Quote

Storm Darragh is set to bring damaging winds to parts of the UK (United Kingdom) on Saturday.

Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western parts of England and Wales could see gusts of up to 80mph (129km/h) from Darragh, which was named by the Met Office on Thursday.

Amber and yellow severe weather warnings have been issued with power cuts, building damage and transport disruption likely.

While heavy rain is also forecast, there is unlikely to be as much rainfall and flooding as seen with Storm Bert.

The fourth named storm of the season, Darragh comes only weeks after Storms Bert and Conall caused disruption at the end of November.

Late on Friday, a developing area of low pressure will start to bring heavy rain and strengthening winds across western parts of the UK.

As this develops further into Saturday, this becomes Storm Darragh with its centre crossing northern England.

An amber severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for strong winds in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western areas of England and Wales from 3am to 9pm on Saturday.

Gusts will be around 70-80mph (113-129km/h), especially around coastal areas. Further inland, gusts will be 60-70mph (96-113km/h).

These wind gusts have the potential to damage buildings and will bring travel disruption, especially to ferry services in the Irish Sea.

There is a larger yellow Met Office warning across all parts of England and Wales for wind valid from 3pm on Friday through to 6am on Sunday when Darragh will have cleared into the North Sea.

Gusts will widely be around 40-50mph (64-80km/h) across England and Wales which could lead to some transport disruption on Saturday.

Those affected by severe flooding after Storm Bert may be concerned by another storm and heavy rain.

While the rainfall totals associated with Storm Darragh will not be as high, around 2-3in (50-60mm) of rain is expected in parts of Wales and central and southern Scotland by Saturday lunchtime.

A yellow Met Office warning for rain is valid from 3pm on Friday to 12pm on Saturday across these areas as there may be some localised flooding impacts.

Otherwise, more widely across the UK, rainfall totals will be up to an inch (25mm).

There will also be some heavy snow for a time over the higher ground of Scotland as Storm Darragh moves through.

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William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2024, 01:11:51 »

It was already very wet and windy here in Nailsea last night.  Roll Eyes
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William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
broadgage
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« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2024, 07:32:32 »

I generally ignore yellow weather warnings, unless travelling by train. A yellow warning means "expect seasonal weather conditions"
This however is an amber warning, which suggests more serious conditions. I expect that i will again be glad to have a UPS system in case of power cuts.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
broadgage
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« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2024, 10:24:20 »

The previously issued amber warning, has been upgraded to a very rare red warning for certain Western areas, the amber warning remains in place elsewhere.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
ChrisB
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« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2024, 11:03:09 »

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2024/red-warning-for-storm-darragh
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a-driver
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« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2024, 16:02:51 »

Amber and red warnings. The train service should be suspended altogether.

It’s not worth the risk of damage to trains & infrastructure and more importantly having stranded passengers.
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Timmer
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« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2024, 16:10:47 »

Amber and red warnings. The train service should be suspended altogether.

It’s not worth the risk of damage to trains & infrastructure and more importantly having stranded passengers.
I’m fully expecting that will happen. After being caught up in the mess a couple of weeks back, better to say in advance of tomorrow NO train services based on the warnings issued then everyone knows not to head to station in the first place.

GWR (Great Western Railway) tweeted this about 50 minutes ago so decisions are being made which is good:

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Network Rail is currently assessing the impact on train services and we expect to be able to update our advice for travel tomorrow in the next hour.
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a-driver
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« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2024, 16:15:32 »

I’m fully expecting that will happen. After being caught up in the mess a couple of weeks back, better to say in advance of tomorrow NO train services based on the warnings issued then everyone knows not to head to station in the first place.

Absolutely. An assessment should be made at first light whether trains will run, with the first services used as route proving.
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Mark A
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« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2024, 16:36:14 »

Bath Christmas Market's been pulled for Saturday 7th December.

Mark
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JayMac
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« Reply #9 on: December 06, 2024, 16:58:42 »

Many other street markets and other events across the west have been cancelled for this weekend.

Santas on a Bike, ride from Bristol to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice

Gloucester Quays Christmas Market, Gloucestershire

Street Festive Market, Somerset

Wells Market, Somerset

Christmas at Westonbirt Trail, Gloucestershire

Stonehouse Goodwill Festival, Gloucestershire

Swindon Enchanted Gardens Light Trail

Clevedon Light up the Lake, Somerset

Frome Market, Somerset

Winchcombe Market, Gloucestershire
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
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Timmer
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« Reply #10 on: December 06, 2024, 18:20:31 »

Latest from GWR (Great Western Railway):

https://www.gwr.com/sunday-disruption

Quote
Travel advice following the recently issued storm weather warning and special events taking place across the GWR network:

Following red and amber weather warnings in relation to Storm Darragh on parts of our network, we are advising customers to change their plans if possible this weekend.

Although we expect to still be able to run train services, strong winds mean speed restrictions will be in place across the network, increasing journey times. Fallen trees and other debris may also impact services.

Customers with tickets for travel on GWR services on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December can be used on Monday 9 December.

If you no longer wish to travel this weekend you can claim a full refund at GWR.com/help-and-support/refunds

Please note Bath Christmas Market has been cancelled on Saturday.

For the latest journey information visit GWR.com/check.

On Sunday only, crew availability means a significantly reduced, amended timetable will be in place on long-distance services. Online journey planners are currently not correct and will be updated.

Please check your journey on Sunday morning for the latest information.

So no services or routes cancelled, just an advisory to change travel plans.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #11 on: December 06, 2024, 19:53:06 »

From the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

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Millions sent government alert as Storm Darragh approaches

Around three million people in parts of Wales and south-west England have been sent an emergency alert from the government as Storm Darragh approaches the UK (United Kingdom).

It is the largest use of the warning system yet and has been sent to the mobile phones of people in areas covered by the Met Office red weather warning for the storm.

The alert made a loud siren-like sound when it was delivered to devices, even if they were set on silent. The alert lasted for around 10 seconds.

The Met Office issued a rare red warning - the most serious type - earlier on Friday for wind in anticipation of the approaching storm.

The Met Office only issues red warnings when meteorologists believe that dangerous, potentially life-threatening weather is expected imminently.

It is in place from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday, covering western and southern coastal regions of Wales, as well as the Bristol Channel including parts of Bristol and Cardiff.

The areas under the red warning are forecast wind gusts of 90mph (144kmph) or more, which could lead to flying debris and falling trees, posing a danger to life, the Met Office said.

The government alert was sent to every compatible mobile phone in impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe into Saturday.

Outside of test scenarios, the alert system has been used twice before, though both times on a smaller scale.

The last Met Office red warning was issued in January for winds in north-east Scotland.

Amber warnings covering Northern Ireland, Wales and the west coast of England are in place on Saturday morning.

The winds are also expected to cause large waves, power cuts affecting mobile phone services, as well as damage to buildings and homes. Transport networks are also anticipated to be affected.

Heavy rain and strengthening winds will start to be felt across western parts of the UK on Friday evening as less serious yellow warnings come into force.

This weather pattern will turn into Storm Darragh moving into Saturday.

The Met Office said the strongest winds would subside by late Saturday morning, but that it would remain very windy until the evening, with amber warnings remaining in place until then.

A yellow rain warning, indicating a risk of flooding, is also in place in parts of the western UK.

In the north of Scotland, a yellow warning for snow is in place, with areas above 400m (1,300ft) getting up to 20cm (8in) of snow. Snow will affect higher parts of the A9 and A83, and may lead to disruption and potential closures.

The Irish Meteorological Service has also issued a red warning for wind from 22:00 on Friday across parts of counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.



In Wales, all domestic football and rugby matches scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled, including Cardiff City's Championship fixture against Watford which had been due to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Other postponed Saturday football matches include Newport County v Carlisle United in League Two and Plymouth v Oxford United in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Welsh Rugby Union has postponed all community rugby fixtures.

As the weather worsens on Friday evening, shops and cafes in Welsh towns are making the decision to close on Saturday the run-up to the festive period.

Across the UK, there have also been widespread cancellations of winter events and Christmas markets scheduled for the weekend.

In London, all of the Royal Parks will close on Saturday which includes the popular Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park.

Some travel providers warned that services were likely to be affected.

Stena Line ferries said some services across the Irish Sea on Saturday would be cancelled, while the Scottish CalMac operator said some routes could face disruption at short notice.

National Rail said some train journeys in the south west would face disruption, and urged users to check their journey before setting off.

Bristol Airport warned passengers that "disruption is expected" and passengers should check with their airline before travelling.

SP Energy Networks, a Scottish energy firm, said it was mobilising engineers to respond to power cuts "as quickly as possible" but added that customers should tell them if they lose power.  "If you experience a power outage ... please don't assume we know about it."

The RAC has advised motorists to postpone their journeys due to the "highly unusual" red weather warning.  Spokeswoman Alice Simpson told the BBC: "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."

Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of the year, after Ashley, Bert and Conall.

Some parts of the UK are still recovering from Storm Bert, which caused extreme flooding and led to the deaths of five people in November.

Scientists say as the Earth's climate warms, extreme weather events will become more frequent. For every 1C rise in average temperature, the atmosphere can hold up to around 7% more moisture.

Globally, heavy rainfall events have become more frequent and intense over most land regions, according to the UN's climate body, which says the pattern will intensify with further warming.


All three of us in this household received that message on our mobile phones - it startled the heck out of us!

CfN.  Roll Eyes
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William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
TaplowGreen
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« Reply #12 on: December 06, 2024, 20:15:51 »

Latest from GWR (Great Western Railway):

https://www.gwr.com/sunday-disruption

Quote
Travel advice following the recently issued storm weather warning and special events taking place across the GWR network:

Following red and amber weather warnings in relation to Storm Darragh on parts of our network, we are advising customers to change their plans if possible this weekend.

Although we expect to still be able to run train services, strong winds mean speed restrictions will be in place across the network, increasing journey times. Fallen trees and other debris may also impact services.

Customers with tickets for travel on GWR services on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December can be used on Monday 9 December.

If you no longer wish to travel this weekend you can claim a full refund at GWR.com/help-and-support/refunds

Please note Bath Christmas Market has been cancelled on Saturday.

For the latest journey information visit GWR.com/check.

On Sunday only, crew availability means a significantly reduced, amended timetable will be in place on long-distance services. Online journey planners are currently not correct and will be updated.

Please check your journey on Sunday morning for the latest information.

So no services or routes cancelled, just an advisory to change travel plans.

......which is pretty much the advice GWR give every weekend these days.
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UstiImmigrunt
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« Reply #13 on: December 06, 2024, 20:34:13 »

Amber and red warnings. The train service should be suspended altogether.

It’s not worth the risk of damage to trains & infrastructure and more importantly having stranded passengers.

It won't be. Lessons were learnt after Beast of the East. And forgotten in time for Storm Eunice.

The number of stranded staff for both of those weather incidents was considerable.

And how do the staff get in? How many car insurance companies will pay up if there's a car tree interface problem? When a red weather warning recommends do not travel, you don't travel.
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It will be well used and I doubt I'll ever get any delay repay compensation.
JayMac
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« Reply #14 on: December 06, 2024, 23:26:25 »

First experience of a government alert via mobile phone this evening.

Scared the bejeebus out of me while I was driving home from shopping.
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
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