Rare red weather warning issued for the UK for 'damaging' 90mph high winds as Storm Darragh hits

The warning covers parts of Wales and the South West of England, including Cardiff, Bristol and Devon, and is in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday.

The Met Office warns of “damaging winds”, with gusts of 90mph possible over the coasts and hills of west and south Wales.

A statement issued by the Met Office for the impacted area warned of a “danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees”.

There could also be large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, as well as power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

The red alert does not currently apply to any part of Scotland.

But a separate amber warning has been issued covering a larger swathe of the west coast of the UK, stretching from Scotland to Cornwall. The amber alert is in place from 1am until 9pm on Saturday.

The fourth named storm of the season is expected to bring winds of up to 80mph to Scotland and heavy rain starting from Friday afternoon and into the weekend, while 130 flood alerts have been issued.

Up to 60mm of rain could fall in these areas during the warning period, which may lead to some flooding and disruption, forecasters said.

The Met Office warned that flying debris could cause injury or danger to life.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has warned travellers could be in for “another period of disruption” as the country prepares for the latest winter storm.

The south-west of Scotland “will likely see the worst of the conditions”, Ms Hyslop warned, as she urged travellers to plan ahead.

Ms Hyslop said: “The Met Office is warning us to expect another period of disruption this weekend, with Storm Darragh set to bring strong winds to the south of Scotland. The south west, in particular, will likely see the worst of the conditions.

“High winds will bring challenges for the trunk road network, so travellers should make sure they plan their journey in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.”

Drivers can get the latest information on any disruption to key routes on the Traffic Scotland website, she said, adding the site will have details of any bridge closures.

Rail, air and ferry services could also be hit by the conditions, and Ms Hyslop urged travellers to “check with your operator to make sure your service is still running”.

Power cuts and large waves could also occur, while some roads and bridges may be closed, with falling trees posing an additional hazard.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of road policing at Police Scotland, said: “Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas, or consider delaying your journey until conditions improve.

“Plan ahead and keep updated by checking the Met Office and Traffic Scotland websites and social media.”

Rhondda Cynon Taf, where between 200 and 300 properties were flooded during Storm Bert last month, is set to be hit by heavy rain once again.

Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said the weather service was “a bit concerned” about the risk of flooding in parts of Wales and Northern Ireland where there is “heightened sensitivity” due to recent heavy rainfall.

Mr Stroud said: “The wind particularly is set to be reasonably disruptive and potentially quite damaging. We are rather concerned about the strength of the winds affecting the Irish sea coasts and this is likely to have impacts on Irish ferry services. Trees could come down onto roads and people need to be aware of this and allow extra time for travel, especially in rural spots.”

Strong gusts are forecast to batter the country and the Met Office said the wind may cause disruption to travel, with difficult driving conditions likely.

National Highways, which runs the UK’s motorways and busiest A-roads, has issued a severe weather alert for Saturday and has warned motorists in the South West and North West to prepare for gale force winds.

It said routes likely to be affected by the strongest winds include the M5 in northern Somerset, the A30 in Cornwall and the M6 in Cheshire.