The Cabinet Office has issued an urgent alert, notifying residents in areas covered by a red weather warning in parts of Wales and the South West of England.
The alert, which was sent at 6:45 PM on Friday, December 7, used the Emergency Alert system to inform mobile phone users of the severe weather expected throughout the weekend.
It marked the largest use of the system outside of test scenarios, with the last test conducted in April 2023.
Areas affected by the red warning include Devon, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Somerset, Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, and parts of South Wales, including Cardiff and Swansea.
Mobile phones in these regions emitted a loud, siren-like sound, even when on silent mode, alerting residents of the imminent danger.
The red weather warning, the highest level of alert issued by the Met Office, signals dangerous weather conditions.
It warns of potentially damaging winds with gusts of up to 90 mph, particularly in coastal and hilly areas of West and South Wales.
Forecasters anticipate the strongest winds will ease by late morning, but the threat remains significant until 11 AM on Saturday.
Event Cancellations and Warnings: Storm Causes Disruptions Across the UK, With Over 100 Flood Alerts in Place.The storm could bring flying debris, fallen trees, and even power outages, with possible damage to buildings, roads, and railway lines.
Event Cancellations and Flood Warnings
As the storm intensifies, several events, including Christmas attractions, have been canceled across affected areas.
The Met Office has issued over 100 flood warnings and alerts across the UK, with rain expected to cause further disruptions.
An amber warning for heavy rain has been placed for parts of Wales, while a yellow warning affects Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Authorities advise residents to take precautions, including securing outdoor objects, avoiding unnecessary travel, and preparing for potential power outages.
Moreover, with more than 90 mph winds and significant rainfall expected, everyone in affected areas must stay informed and take action to protect themselves and their homes.