Millions of people in the UK were urged to stay home on Saturday due to Storm Darragh. Thousands of households in Northern Ireland, England, and Wales were left without power. Rail traffic was also disrupted.
In France, nine north-western coastal departments and six in the south-west were placed on orange alert for wind or snow-ice by Météo-France due to a “strong gale” associated with Storm Darragh.
The storm, moving from England to Belgium on Saturday, is causing “a significant increase in wind across France,” according to the forecasting agency. All 11 departments on orange alert will need “particular vigilance” for strong winds.
Due to the violent winds, the French railway company SNCF announced that all regional trains in Normandy (Nomad network) would be suspended on Saturday and Sunday “to ensure the safety of travellers and staff.”
“A complete halt of services is expected on certain lines in Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Pays de la Loire regions on Saturday and Sunday,” SNCF reported on its website, adding that “cancellations and changes to services are also anticipated.”
Following Storm Darragh, “heavy snowfall is expected in the Pyrenees from mid-mountain levels,” warned Météo-France.
Royal Park closed in Brussels. Credit: Belga
Brussels park closures
In Belgium, the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) forecast significant rainfall on Saturday, with wind gusts reaching 60 to 80 km/h, possibly up to 90 km/h in some areas.
As a result, parks and natural areas in Brussels have been closed until at least Sunday morning. The public is advised to avoid driving or walking near trees.
Compte tenu des rafales de vents annoncées d’au moins 80 km/h, les parcs, réserves naturelles et bois régionaux, dont la forêt de Soignes, seront interdits d’accès au public à partir de ce samedi 07/12 à 10 h. La fin de restriction d’accès est prévue le dimanche 08/12 à 08 h. pic.twitter.com/hmMANfmsbL
— Bruxelles Environnement - Leefmilieu Brussel (@BruxellesEnv) December 6, 2024
Tweet translation: In light of 80 km/h winds forecast, parks, nature reserves and regional woods – including Forêt de Soignes – will be closed to public from 10:00 on Saturday 7 December. The ban will be in place until 08:00 on Sunday 8 December.
On the coast, gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected. A yellow wind warning has been issued for West Flanders from 12:00 to 17:00 on Saturday and on the coast from 12:00 on Saturday to 10:00 on Sunday.
Heavier rain will quickly reach the coastal region and gradually spread to the centre of the country. On Saturday night rain may turn to sleet in the Ardennes.
Along the coast, the wind will remain very strong, sometimes reaching stormy levels. Sunday morning will start overcast before clearing in the afternoon.
