Fresh weather warnings in place for Sunday after Storm Darragh wreaks havoc

8 December 2024, 02:51 | Updated: 8 December 2024, 09:37

Strong winds are set to batter the UK again after Storm Darragh swept through the country.

A fresh yellow Met Office wind warning came into force across much of England and Wales at 6am, as winds of up to 80mph continued to hit Northern Ireland.

Gusts of 35-45mph are likely around England and Wales, reaching 70mph around the coast during the morning.

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Further travel disruption and power cuts are likely until 6pm, the Met Office said.

Follow live: Storm Darragh latest

Around 259,000 people were left without power on Saturday after Darragh brought gusts of 93mph to some parts of the country.

The Energy Networks Association said 80% of homes affected by the storm have been reconnected.

A "risk to life" alert was sent to around three million people on Friday evening within the area covered by the Met Office's rare red warning for wind.

Two men were killed by falling trees hitting their vehicles.

The latest victim was killed when a tree fell and hit his car in Silver Birch Road, Erdington, on Saturday afternoon, according to West Midlands Police.

"Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time, and his next of kin have been informed," said Sergeant Benjamin Parsons, of the roads policing unit.

Earlier in the day, a man died after a tree fell on to his van in Lancashire.

The man, who was in his 40s, was driving his Citroen vehicle on the A59 at Longton, near Preston, at about 9am on Saturday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Very sadly, this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time," said Detective Sergeant Matt Davidson, from Lancashire Police's serious collision investigation unit.

"An investigation is ongoing, and I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any dashcam or mobile phone footage to please get in touch."

The Environment Agency had 56 flood warnings in place in England on Saturday evening, meaning flooding is expected.