Storm Darragh wreaked havoc across Britain and Ireland, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and causing widespread disruption.
The storm, which made landfall with winds reaching up to 93mph near Capel Curig, North Wales, left residents in shock as they experienced one of the most intense weather events in recent memory.
James Woodbine, who lives in a 300-year-old cottage in Trofarth, described the eerie rumbling sounds that accompanied the powerful gusts.
“There was a thrum coming from the ground… I’ve never heard that before,” he said, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the storm.
Woodbine has lived in the area for 30 years, but even he was unprepared for the extent of the damage caused by Darragh.
The storm claimed lives, with two fatalities in the UK from falling trees and multiple injuries reported.
The Met Office issued a rare red wind warning, urging people to stay indoors as the risk of flying debris and falling trees was significant.
In response, emergency alerts were sent to millions of phones, while authorities declared a major incident in some areas due to the volume of storm-related calls.
Storm Darragh reminds us to heed weather warnings and prepare accordingly.As the storm progressed, heavy rain caused flooding, with dozens of flood warnings issued. Many areas in the UK experienced power outages, affecting homes from Eastbourne to Northumberland.
The chaos extended beyond the weather, as events were canceled, businesses shut down, and major transport routes were disrupted, with canceled flights, train delays, and ferry crossings halted.
Despite the warnings, some ventured out, including a family seeking shelter at Woodbine’s glamping site in Snowdonia. “I had to put them in a more secure lodge and caution them about the risks,” he said.
Storm Darragh serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of heeding weather warnings.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard ourselves and our communities during extreme weather events.