Power cuts are ‘likely’ across England until 6pm today as forecasters warn of more weather disruption due to Storm Darragh.
A yellow weather warning for wind has been put in place across England by the Met Office, with all 55 cities in England affected by the warning which is in place until 6pm.
The whole of Wales is also under the warning. There are likely to be gusts of 35-45mph inland, even reaching 70mph around coasts during the morning, the Met Office said.
It means that further travel disruption and power cuts are likely until 6pm, the Met Office said.
Storm Darragh brought gusts of 93mph to some parts of the country on Saturday, with millions warned to stay indoors, tens of thousands left without power and trains cancelled.
Energy Networks Association said 259,000 customers across England, Scotland and Wales were without power as of Saturday evening.
The Met Office said in its warning on Sunday: “Storm Darragh is likely to cross Ireland late Friday, then parts of England and Wales on Saturday, clearing to the east of England on Saturday night or early Sunday.
“Darragh could bring a period of strong winds to much of the warning area. Winds will initially be from a southerly direction, but the strongest winds are likely as the low clears away when northerly or northwesterly winds may quite widely gust to around 40-50 mph inland but locally could gust in excess of 60 mph.
“Around coasts, winds may gust to 60-70 mph, perhaps locally nearer 80 mph. The wind may cause disruption to travel, with difficult driving conditions likely. The duration of the strongest winds in any one location is likely to be less than 24 hours, but this warning is for a more extended period to cover the passage of the strong winds over the whole country.
“These start in the west on Friday evening, and clear from the east coasts of England and Scotland early on Sunday.”
The forecaster then warned that households must take care to prepare for the storm, adding: “Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
