Storm Darragh: Ireland and UK Brace for Impactful Winds and Heavy Rain

The UK Met Office has named the low-pressure system poised to impact Ireland and the UK as Storm Darragh. This powerful weather system is predicted to traverse Ireland on Friday afternoon and into Saturday morning, before continuing its journey over the UK on Saturday afternoon. The implications are significant, prompting the issuance of several weather warnings across both nations.

Impactful Winds Across Ireland

Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman from Met Éireann provides insight: “Storm Darragh is going to bring quite impactful winds across the country through Friday and into Saturday as the centre of the storm tracks across the northwest of the country.” While strong winds are expected everywhere, the most damaging aspect will likely be the gusts. The most intense winds are expected overnight into Saturday morning, particularly in areas under orange wind warnings. Met Éireann urges citizens to secure loose objects, and plan journeys carefully on Saturday morning, as fallen trees and power lines are likely. Heavy rain is also anticipated and poses a risk of localized flooding, adding to challenging travel conditions.

Orange and Yellow Warnings

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning for several counties in Ireland, which are under threat from the most severe impacts of the storm. These warnings highlight the potential for damage to property, power outages and disruption to transport networks. Additionally, yellow wind warnings are in place across a wider area of the country. The warnings specify potential impacts such as fallen trees, damage to power lines, and “very difficult travelling conditions.”

Storm Darragh: Impacts on the UK

Storm Darragh is expected to bring particularly strong winds to parts of the UK, particularly Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland, and western England and Wales, where gusts of up to 80mph (129km/h) are forecast. Amber and yellow severe weather warnings are in place, indicating a high likelihood of widespread disruption including power cuts, building damage, and substantial transport disruption. While heavy rain is also forecast, the rainfall amounts are not anticipated to reach the levels of flooding seen with Storm Bert.

Met Office Warnings and Safety Advice

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western England and Wales, valid from 3am to 9pm on Saturday. Gusts of 70-80mph (113-129km/h) are predicted in coastal regions, with 60-70mph (96-113km/h) gusts further inland. These intense winds carry a high risk of damaging buildings and causing significant travel disruption, particularly impacting ferry services in the Irish Sea. A broader yellow warning covers the rest of England and Wales, anticipating gusts of 40-50mph (64-80km/h).

The Met Office also anticipates 2-3 inches (50-60mm) of rain in parts of Wales and central and southern Scotland. A yellow rain warning from 3pm on Friday to 12pm on Saturday covers these areas, highlighting the possibility of localized flooding. Elsewhere, the UK can expect approximately one inch (25mm) of rain. Heavy snowfall is also predicted in the Scottish Highlands.

Understanding Storm Naming Conventions

The practice of naming storms is implemented when there's a forecast of ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the partner countries: Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. This coordinated naming system enhances clear and authoritative communication to the public and stakeholders, facilitating preparedness and safety during severe weather. The collaborative effort between Met Éireann, the UK Met Office, and the Netherlands' KNMI, initiated in 2015 and expanded in 2019, ensures a consistent approach to storm naming and warning dissemination.

Selection Process for Storm Names

Met Éireann, the UK Met Office, and KNMI jointly curate a list of names for each storm season, beginning on September 1st. The 2024/25 season names were derived from over 500 suggestions submitted by primary school children participating in the ESB Science Blast. The letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are excluded, in alignment with US National Hurricane Centre conventions.

A Call for Preparedness and Caution

Both Met Éireann and the UK Met Office emphasize the importance of staying informed about the latest weather updates and warnings. Regularly checking official websites and apps, and heeding the advice of emergency services, is vital for ensuring safety during Storm Darragh. The potential impacts of the storm extend beyond inconvenience, encompassing serious risks to life and property, demanding responsible preparedness from everyone.

Remember to check the latest forecasts and warnings from Met Éireann and the UK Met Office. Stay safe and be prepared for the impact of Storm Darragh.

This is a serious weather event with the potential to cause significant disruption. Please take appropriate precautions.