Man killed as Storm Darragh rips through UK, sparking major incident in Wales
Winds reaching up to 96mph battered parts of the country, leaving thousands without power
A van driver died on Saturday as Storm Darrag lashed the UK, causing widespread disruption and power outages while a major incident was declared in Wales.
Winds reaching up to 96mph battered parts of the country, where millions were told to stay indoors and over 177,000 were cut off from the power grid, according to the Energy Networks Association.
Many train services and flights were also cancelled.
Lancashire Police confirmed an investigation was underway after a man in his 40s was killed by a tree falling on his Citroen van on a dual carriageway near Preston.
Detective Sgt Matt Davidson, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Very sadly this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.”
In Wales, a major incident was declared with Dyfed-Powys Police saying it had experienced high volumes of calls about fallen trees and poor driving conditions.
All train services on the North Wales Coast Line were suspended until further notice after a tree fell, Network Rail said.
Meanwhile, the owners of Llandudno Pier in North Wales said on Facebook that the tourist attraction had taken an “absolute battering”, with an ice cream unit “completely gone” and Penderyn Store, an “original 150-year-old unit”, tipped on its side.
The storm has had “very significant effects” across the Wales, the country’s First Minister and her deputy said.
A joint statement from Eluned Morgan and Huw Irranca-Davies added: “On behalf of everyone, we wish to thank the emergency services and first responders who have been out through the night in dreadful conditions to keep people safe.”
Bristol Airport and Cardiff Airport advised passengers to contact their airline due to the travel disruption.
Roads, bridges and railway lines were affected, with a number of delays and cancellations to bus, train and ferry services and flights reported.
The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was also cancelled along with Blackpool FC’s fixture with Rotherham United.
The deadly storm came after three million people in southwest England and Wales were sent an alert, warning of a “risk to life” if residents did not stay indoors, representing the largest use of the warning system yet.
The Met Office issued a red weather warning – the most serious type – on Friday for wind, meaning dangerous weather was expected and people were urged to take action to keep themselves and others safe.
By Saturday evening Storm Darrag was said to have passed its peak, although weather conditions remained poor. The Environment Agency still expected flooding in 22 locations across the UK and warned flooding was possible in 144 locations.
Amber warnings for rain and wind were due to stay in place over the southwest of the UK until Saturday evening. Yellow weather alerts for rain and wind were due to remain into Sunday across the majority of the country.
