Storm Darragh: Winds tears roof off flats and leaves 88,000 homes without power in Wales

 A powerful storm, named Storm Darragh, has caused widespread damage across Wales, tearing the roof off a block of flats, cutting power to 88,000 properties, and disrupting transport networks. The extreme weather, which brought winds of up to 94mph (150 km/h), prompted a red weather warning—the highest level—from the Met Office, which was in effect from 03:00 GMT to 11:00.

The warning predicted hazardous and potentially life-threatening conditions across 13 counties in Wales, including Bridgend, Cardiff, Conwy, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea. The storm brought fierce gusts to the coasts and hills of north, west, and south Wales, with the Met Office recording winds of 94mph at Capel Curig in Conwy county at 08:00.

In Porthcawl, Bridgend county, Storm Darragh ripped off part of the roof of a block of flats at The Links apartment complex in Rest Bay. Local authorities are assessing the damage as strong winds continue to batter the region.

The National Grid reported that nearly 49,000 properties in mid and south Wales were without power, while Scottish Power said approximately 40,000 homes in north and mid Wales were also affected.

Natural Resources Wales issued 22 flood warnings—its second-highest alert—across the country, while some roads have been closed and train routes disrupted. Ferry sailings to Ireland have been cancelled, and both the Prince of Wales Bridge and the M48 Severn Bridge in Monmouthshire were closed due to high winds. This has forced drivers seeking to cross into Wales from south-west England to use lengthy diversions.

Transport for Wales advised rail passengers to check services before travelling, as numerous trains have been cancelled, including all services between Carmarthen and Bristol.

The red wind warning covered a large area, including Bridgend, Cardiff, Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea. Cardiff City’s Championship fixture against Watford and Newport County's match against Carlisle United were both postponed due to the extreme weather.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf, which was heavily impacted by flooding during Storm Bert, local authorities reported that at least 40 trees had fallen, blocking many roads with debris.

Around three million people across Wales and south-west England received emergency alerts on their mobile phones warning of the severe weather, with the alert system producing a loud siren-like sound—even if phones were on silent. This was the largest deployment of the warning system since its last test in April 2023.

In addition to the red warning, an amber rain warning has been in place since 03:00 and will remain until 18:00 on Saturday. The storm is expected to bring up to 3.5 inches (90mm) of rain across 14 counties in south and mid Wales. There is also an amber wind warning in effect until 21:00, and a yellow rain warning will remain in place until noon on Saturday.

The storm is expected to ease by Sunday, but a yellow wind warning will remain for all of Wales from 06:00 to 18:00, with gusts of up to 50mph (80 km/h) possible in hilly and coastal areas.

The last red weather warning in Wales occurred during Storm Eunice in 2022, which caused widespread power outages.

First Minister Eluned Morgan urged residents to take the warnings seriously, emphasizing the severity of the conditions. “Red means there is a potential danger to life,” she said, urging people to travel only if absolutely necessary.

Authorities have warned of the risk of flying debris, falling trees, and large waves hitting sea fronts, homes, and roads. Power cuts and further travel disruptions remain possible as Storm Darragh continues to batter the region.

The RNLI has also advised those living near or visiting the Welsh coast to exercise “extreme caution.” Natural Resources Wales noted that while the rain expected from the storm will be significant, it is expected to be less than the rainfall caused by Storm Bert, which wreaked havoc across Wales last month.