A severe storm emergency warning has been issued for parts of England and Wales. 3 million people were told to stay at home via text messages. An amber rain warning is in effect until the evening hours, with heavy rain expected to cause disruptions to transport and infrastructure.
The Cabinet Office has issued an emergency warning for areas covered by a rare red wind warning in Wales and parts of south-west England.
Three million people were told to stay at home via urgent text messages.
The sound and vibration lasted for about 10 seconds.
The warning, which has led to the cancellation of events including those for Christmas, will remain in place until midday today.
The strongest winds are expected to ease from late morning.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has urged people to be vigilant and prepared for possible flooding in parts of south Wales.
NRW said that although rainfall totals were not expected to be as high as those experienced during Storm Bert last month, heavy rainfall in Wales this week meant the ground was saturated and rivers could rise rapidly.
Rhondda Cynon Taf, where 200 to 300 homes were flooded during Storm Bert, is expected to be hit by heavy rain once again.
NRW has issued more than 30 flood alerts and warnings, while the Environment Agency in England has issued more than 20 red flood warnings, with residents and business owners told to “take action now”.
The message said: “Strong winds could cause flying debris, falling trees and large waves in coastal areas, all of which could pose a risk to life. Stay indoors if possible. It is not safe to drive in these conditions.”
This was the biggest use of the emergency alert system outside of a test scenario.
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