Storm Dara, which hit Great Britain, caused major traffic disruptions this morning, with the cancellation of trains and flights, as well as power outages for tens of thousands of households.
A red weather warning for strong winds is in effect from 1.00:11.00 a.m. local time until XNUMX:XNUMX a.m., and covers southwest England and part of Wales, said the British Met Office, which rarely issues such warnings.
Storm Dara with heavy rain is the fourth storm of the season for Great Britain.
About three million people received an alert on their phones urging them to stay indoors.
Economic Affairs Minister Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News that the situation was dire and urged citizens not to go out and expose themselves to danger.
Wind gusts reached 150 kilometers per hour in Wales, the Met Office said.
Power was cut in 86.000 households in England, Scotland and Wales, according to the Energy Networks Association.
The Belfast Telegraph reports that 45.000 households are without electricity in Northern Ireland.
Numerous trains have been cancelled, not a single one is running in the north of Wales due to a tree falling on the track, the operator Network Rail Wales announced.
Bridges are closed for safety reasons due to gusts of wind. New Year's celebrations and sports competitions, including the derby between the football clubs Everton and Liverpool, have been postponed.
Air traffic restrictions are in place at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports, according to air traffic control operator Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Passengers are urged to check the status of their flight with their airline before going to the airport.
British Airways has canceled at least seven flights to and from Heathrow. The planes had to land in Dublin instead of their intended final destination.
Storm Dara followed two weeks after Storm Bert, which hit much of Great Britain and caused severe flooding in parts of Wales as well as power cuts to thousands of homes in Ireland.
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