Millions across the UK, France, and Belgium faced severe disruptions on Saturday as Storm Darragh swept through the region, bringing violent winds, heavy rainfall, and snowfall in mountainous areas.
Authorities issued urgent warnings for public safety, with widespread power outages, disrupted rail services, and closures of parks and natural areas reported.
Parks Closed and Warnings in Belgium
In Belgium, the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) forecasted heavy rainfall accompanied by wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h, with localized peaks up to 90 km/h.
These conditions prompted the closure of parks and natural areas in Brussels until at least Sunday morning.
Brussels authorities advised the public to stay indoors and avoid driving or walking near trees due to the risk of falling branches or uprooted trees.
Emergency services were prepared for potential incidents as heavy rains compounded the challenges posed by the storm’s high winds.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Concerns
Storm Darragh’s impact extended across multiple transportation networks. Airports and ferry services in affected regions warned travelers to check for updates, as cancellations and delays became increasingly common.
Emergency responders in all three countries urged people to remain vigilant and adhere to official safety guidelines.
As the storm continued to move across Europe, authorities in each nation stressed the importance of preparedness and cooperation.
With weather warnings remaining in place through the weekend, residents in affected areas were reminded to prioritize safety and minimize unnecessary travel.
The aftermath of Storm Darragh is expected to bring ongoing challenges, including clearing debris, restoring power, and resuming disrupted transportation services.
Power Outages and Disruptions in the UK
In the UK, millions were urged to stay indoors as Storm Darragh unleashed powerful winds and heavy rain. Thousands of households in Northern Ireland, England, and Wales were left without electricity as the storm battered power lines.
Rail traffic faced significant delays and cancellations, with authorities prioritizing public safety amid the turbulent conditions.
Local emergency services remained on high alert as weather forecasts predicted continued strong winds into the weekend. The Met Office issued multiple weather warnings, urging citizens to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
France Issues Orange Alerts
In France, the national weather agency, Météo-France, placed nine north-western coastal departments and six south-western departments on orange alert due to the storm’s strong gale-force winds and risk of snow-ice.
The storm’s passage from England into Belgium caused a “significant increase in wind across France,” according to the agency.
To ensure the safety of travelers and railway staff, SNCF, the French national railway company, announced the suspension of all regional trains in Normandy over the weekend.
Additionally, several lines in Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Pays de la Loire regions experienced a complete halt in services, with cancellations and schedule adjustments widely anticipated.
The storm also brought the prospect of heavy snowfall to the Pyrenees mountain range. Météo-France warned of hazardous conditions in mid-mountain areas, urging caution for residents and travelers.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
