Storm Darragh: Millions sent alert after rare red weather warning

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

Western and southern coastal regions of Wales, as well as the Bristol Channel including parts of Bristol and Cardiff are all covered by the warning.

The areas are forecast wind gusts of 90mph (144kmph) or more, the Met Office said.

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

It said Storm Darragh was expected to cause “significant disruption”, warning that strong winds can cause flying debris, falling trees and large waves, “all of which can present a danger to life”.

“Stay indoors if you can,” the alert said. “It is not safe to drive in these conditions.”

The alert said the storm may cause power cuts and disruption to mobile phone coverage, and told people to “consider gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items you already have at home”.

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.