A MAN in his 40s died in Storm Darragh after a tree fell on his van in 93km/h gusts.
The man was driving his Citroen in Preston, Lancashire, at around 9am today when tragedy struck as chaos hit the UK.
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Man dies after tree falls on his van in Lancashire (not pictured) Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
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The storm caused travel chaos across the UK today, with this tree blocking a road in Somerset after it fell Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
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Huge waves off the coast of Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, WalesCredit: LNP
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Sergeant Matt Davidson, of Lancashire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Unfortunately this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
“The investigation is ongoing, I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any dash cam or mobile phone footage to come forward.”
It comes as millions of Britons braced for disruption amid Storm Darragh today.
An emergency warning came into effect at 1am for people covered by a red wind warning in parts of Wales and south-west England.
It was the biggest use of the warning system to date, with the warning urging residents to avoid driving and to “stay indoors if you can”.
Wind gusts of up to 92 mph were reported overnight at Capel Curig in North Wales and Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula.
Wind gusts between 72-78 mph were reported along the coasts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Energy Networks Association said 177,000 homes in England, Scotland and Wales are now without power.
93mph Darragh storm: Travel chaos, thousands without power and Merseyside Derby cancelled
National Grid said more than 55,000 customers were without power across the South West, South Wales and West Midlands.
Today’s Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton has been postponed due to the storm, the clubs have announced.
Blackpool FC have also confirmed that their match against Rotherham United has been postponed due to the weather.
In North Wales, gusts of up to 93 mph were recorded overnight in Capel Curig, with 92 mph in Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula, with winds reaching 80 mph in other areas.
The storm caused 150-year-old units on Llandudno Dock to be uprooted.
Dyfed-Powys Police also said they had experienced a high volume of calls about downed trees and poor driving conditions.
Meanwhile, County Meath Fire and Rescue Service in Dublin confirmed it was dealing with multiple calls and that wind gusts in excess of 90km/h were being recorded.
Dublin Airport also told passengers that several flights to other airports had been diverted.
It comes as a yellow wind warning remains in place until 9pm for much of the west coast of England, Wales and Scotland.
It is also in force for the whole of Northern Ireland.
The Met Office warns that there could be potential damage to buildings and homes in those areas, with roofs blown off or downed power lines.
It also warned of further travel disruption and “danger to life” from flying debris and falling trees.
The Met Office has advised those living in the worst-hit areas to secure any lost items outside their homes.
Travelers are also advised to plan ahead, check bus and train schedules, and adjust their plans if necessary.
Less severe yellow warnings for wind and rain are also in place across much of the UK.
Disruption is widespread across the UK, with Cardiff City’s Championship home game against Watford on Saturday postponed.
The League Two match between Newport County and Carlisle United also suffered the same fate.
Rail services were also severely disrupted across the UK, with Great Western Railway canceling all services between Carmarthen and Bristol.
CrossCountry said there were no services from Edinburgh to Glasgow Central or Aberdeen.
It also canceled all services between Gloucester and Cardiff Central, and between Southampton Central and Bournemouth.
Transport for the West Midlands said a “number of incidents” were now affecting journeys this evening and advised only “essential” journeys.
A spokesman said: “This is having a major impact on the rail, tram and bus networks with many services affected by diversions or cancellations.
“TfWM advises passengers not to travel unless absolutely necessary and to check details before traveling if necessary.
“Some bus routes in the Solihull area have stopped running until the end of Saturday 7th December.”
Meanwhile, National Rail warned: “Storm Darragh and severe weather is expected to bring significant disruption with heavy rain and wind across parts of the UK.
“Please check your journey fully before travelling.”
Those planning to travel on Thameslink were issued with a notice which read: “Do not travel on Thameslink routes between London St Pancras International and Luton until further notice.”
Check the National Rail website for the latest updates on rail disruptions.
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Residents in the worst affected areas were advised to stay in their homesCredit: PA
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People battle gusts of wind on London’s Millennium Bridge amid Storm DarraghCredit: Reuters
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