Ireland, UK: Storm Darragh to bring severe weather across the region through at least Dec. 8 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across much of Ireland and the UK through at least Dec. 8 due to the passage of Storm Darragh. The weather system is expected to bring strong and gusty winds across Ireland from the afternoon of Dec. 6 before intensifying late Dec. 6 and affecting the UK Dec. 7. The heaviest rainfall is likely late Dec. 6 before clearing from the west Dec. 7. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying areas. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in areas where more wintry precipitation occurs due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Sporadic power outages are also possible as a result of adverse weather.

As of Dec. 6, Met Eireann has issued the following weather warnings:

• Red wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Across Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo counties Dec. 6-7.

• Orange wind warnings: Cavan, Connacht, Leinster, Monaghan, and Munster counties Dec. 6-7.

• Orange storm warnings: Carnsore Point to Loop Head to Fair Head Dec. 6-7 and from Fair Head to Carlingford Lough to Carnsore Point and on the Irish Sea Dec. 7.

• Yellow rain warnings: Clare, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath, and Westmeath counties Dec. 6-7.

• Yellow wind warnings: Across Ireland Dec. 6-7.

• Yellow gale warnings: Across all coasts of Ireland and on the Irish Sea Dec. 6-8.

The UK's Met Office has issued the following weather warnings:

• Red wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern and western Wales and southwestern England Dec. 7.

• Amber wind warnings: Across Northern Ireland, much of Wales, and parts of northwestern and southwestern England and southwestern Scotland Dec. 7.

• Yellow rain warnings: Across Northern Ireland, much of Wales, parts of the West Midlands in England, and across much of southern and parts of eastern Scotland Dec. 6-7 and parts of northeastern England Dec. 7.

• Yellow snow warnings: Parts of central Scotland Dec. 6-7.

• Yellow wind warnings: Across Northern Ireland and Wales, most of England, and parts of southern Scotland Dec. 6-8 and parts of northeastern England and eastern and southeastern Scotland Dec. 7-8.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

In the UK, the A15 Humber Bridge is closed in both directions to high-sided and vulnerable vehicles due to strong winds. The M48 Severn Bridge was temporarily closed in both directions between J1 and J2 late Dec. 5 due to strong winds associated with Storm Darragh; the road reopened early Dec. 6. National Highways has warned that the roads most likely to be affected by the strongest winds are northern Somerset M5 (Burnham-on-Sea to Avonmouth bridge), A30 Cornwall & Bodmin, A35 Lyme Regis, M56 J10-J14, M6 Cheshire and Thelwell Viaduct, A595, A590, and M62 J22.

The storm system could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, including rain and snow, and strong winds across the affected area. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash, and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Precipitation could fall as snow in parts of the affected area over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in these areas.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow may make driving hazardous in parts of the region; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in affected locations.

Disruptive weather could cause delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or strong winds, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.