Some three million people have been sent a text alert warning of “risk to life” as Storm Darragh made landfall.
The Met Office has issued a rare red severe weather warning as Storm Darragh is battering the UK with wind speeds of 93 mph was recorded in Wales overnight.
The text alert warns of disruption and advising people to “stay indoors if you can,” as it is not safe to drive in such conditions.
Tom Morgan said the storm made its peak at around 7am on Saturday morning and it is “possible” there could be higher wind speeds later today.
Across England, Wales and Scotland the Energy Networks Association said some 86,000 homes are without power as of 9am.
In South Wales, South West and West Midlands National Grid said more than 55,000 homes had lost power as of 8am.
Flying debris and falling trees poses a risk to life and people are being advised to stay away from beachfronts as material could be thrown on to coastal roads.
The Cabinet Office’s emergency alert on Friday told people to gather “torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
The text reads, “A RED warning for wind has been issued in your area. Extremely strong winds associated with Storm Darragh are expected to cause significant disruption.
“Strong winds can cause flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas, all of which can present a danger to life.”
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said, “Storm Darragh is now moving across the UK bringing very strong winds, heavy rain and in Scotland some snow over the higher ground.
“These very strong winds will bring significant disruption, with the risk of flying debris, falling trees, large waves along the coast and power cuts.
“During this spell of severe weather it is important to listen to responders and emergency services in your area and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast.
“Storm Darragh will gradually ease from late morning as it crosses the UK, so the strongest winds in the west will start to reduce through Saturday.
“As the low pressure moves away to the east, colder northerly winds will move across the UK bringing the risk of overnight frosts and some wintry showers over high ground in the north on Sunday. By Monday high pressure becomes centred over the north of the UK and conditions will become much more settled.”
