Storm Darragh forecast to bring very strong winds, possible power outages across Ireland and UK

Storm Darragh, the 4^th named storm of the 2024/25 European storm season, follows storms Ashley, Bert, and Conall, bringing disruptive conditions to Ireland and the UK.

Met Éireann and the UK Met Office issued multiple warnings, forecasting gusts of 115 to 130 km/h (70 to 80 mph) in coastal areas and 95 to 115 km/h (60 to 70 mph) inland, prompting authorities to issue Amber and Yellow weather warnings.

The storm will mainly affect Ireland and western regions of the United Kingdom, with localized flooding, structural damage, and power outages anticipated.

“Storm Darragh is going to bring quite impactful winds across the country through Friday and into Saturday as the center of the storm tracks across the northwest of the country,” Met Éireann Deputy Head of Forecasting, Liz Coleman, said.

“While it will be windy everywhere, it’s the gusts which can be the most damaging. The intense winds are expected to occur overnight but will continue for a time into Saturday morning, especially in those counties under Orange wind warnings.  We ask people to be prepared and to secure any loose objects ahead of the storm and to plan their journeys safely if they need to be out on Saturday morning as there could be trees or power lines down.”

“There will also be heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh which may lead to some localized flooding, along with hazardous traveling conditions,” Coleman said.

Darragh will bring strong and gusty south to southwest winds on Friday afternoon across Ireland. The winds will veer northwest and intensify on Friday night in the southwest, west, and northwest of the country, but also in parts of the southeast in the early hours of Saturday, before clearing over to the UK.

A Yellow wind warning has been issued for the whole of Ireland and Orange wind warnings have been issued for areas most affected by intense winds. Travel disruptions and dangerous traveling conditions, fallen trees, displaced objects, and power outages can be expected, as well as dangerous conditions at sea and waves over-topping in some coastal areas.

Darragh will also bring heavy rain to Ireland through Friday followed by heavy showers on Saturday morning.  A Yellow rainfall warning has been issued over the northern half of the country. 

“The ground is saturated or waterlogged countrywide, so any additional rainfall will flow overland, resulting in surface water flooding, and flow straight into the river network. Some river levels in the West, Midlands, and South-West are still above average, and the additional forecast rain could result in localized river flooding,” Met Éireann meteorologists said.

Amber wind warnings are in effect for Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, and the west coasts of England and Wales, UK from 03:00 to 21:00 UTC on December 7. A broader Yellow wind warning covers England, Wales, and southern Scotland from 15:00 UTC on December 6 to 06:00 UTC on December 8.

The core of Storm Darragh is expected to cross northern England on December 7, intensifying as it travels eastward. Winds along the western coasts of the UK will peak at 130 km/h (80 mph), posing risks of structural damage, flying debris, and travel disruptions.

Inland areas could experience gusts of up to 115 km/h (70 mph). Heavy rainfall ranging between 50 to 60 mm (2 to 2.5 inches) is predicted in parts of Wales and Scotland, raising concerns over localized flooding.

High waves are also anticipated along coastal regions, headlands, and exposed areas, increasing the risk of injuries and hazardous conditions.

“Storm Darragh is an evolving system and will bring several hazards, including wind gusts of up to 130 km/h (80 mph) around western coasts, especially from Devon and Cornwall to southwest Scotland and Northern Ireland,” Jason Kelly, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, stated.

Strong winds and heavy rain were already reported ahead of Storm Darragh’s arrival across the UK on December 5. Gusts reached 80 km/h (50 mph), with rainfall amounts of 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) in affected areas.

“Today we will see bouts of heavy rain and squally winds moving eastwards across the UK with the bulk of the rain moving away by late evening. Tonight will remain largely dry with clear skies ahead of Storm Darragh, which will begin to impact Northern Ireland Friday evening,” Kelly added.

Rainfall totals exceeded 50 mm (2 inches) in several locations on December 4, leading to minor flooding and waterlogged roads. Forecasters warned that this existing ground saturation could exacerbate storm-related flooding risks.

Temperatures dropped to as low as -2^oC (28^oF) in parts of Ireland, on December 3, accompanied by frost and icy conditions. A rapid temperature swing occurred by December 4, with highs of 12^oC (54^oF) recorded.

Officials urge residents in affected regions to take precautions.

“Prepare in advance for your journey and take extra care on the roads. Check your vehicle’s tyres, coolant, and oil levels to reduce the risk of breakdowns,” Dale Hipkiss, the National Highways Duty Manager, advised drivers.

Met Éireann indicated that these fluctuations, caused by ridges of high pressure and frontal systems, are characteristic of this season’s changeable weather pattern.

The Met Office also recommended securing loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, and trampolines to prevent damage from strong winds.

Forecasters predict continued unsettled weather into the following week after the immediate impacts of Storm Darragh. Temperatures are expected to rebound with highs reaching 10 to 13^oC (50 to 55^oF) in parts of Ireland and the UK. Rain and gusty winds are likely to persist, keeping conditions volatile.

The storm follows Storm Bert, which caused devastating floods in parts of South Wales and South West England in late November. Darragh is expected to produce less rainfall but more severe winds, unlike Bert.

References:

¹ Storm Darragh has been named – Met Office – December 5, 2024

² Storm Darragh has been named (6th – 7th December 2024) – Met Eireann – December 5, 2024

Rishika Yadav

Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.

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