BBC
The Cabinet Office issued the Emergency Alert to people in areas covered by the red warning in parts of Wales and the South West
The UK government has used the emergency alert system to warn people about incoming Storm Darragh.
A rare red weather warning has been issued with extremely strong and damaging winds possible this weekend.
The wind warning – the highest level – is predicting dangerous and potentially life-threatening weather across 13 counties as Storm Darragh arrives.
About three million people across Wales and south-west England received an alert on their mobile phone.
Gusts of 90mph (144 km/h) or more are possible over the coasts and hills of north, west and south Wales and are expected to develop during the early hours of Saturday morning.
Residents in Gwynedd, Conwy, Ceredigion, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff, Monmouthshire and Newport received the alert.
Mobile phones made a loud siren-like sound even if they were set on silent. The sound and vibration lasted for about 10 seconds.
It was the largest use of the system outside a test scenario – the last test being in April 2023.
Red is the most serious weather warning the Met Office can issue, meaning dangerous weather is expected and people are urged to take action to keep themselves and others safe.
The Emergency Alert system sent a message and phones made a loud siren-like sound
Several Christmas events have been cancelled ahead of the storm, with both Cardiff and Swansea winter wonderland attractions shutting their doors to visitors from Friday evening through to Sunday morning.
The Football Association of Wales has also announced all matches in Wales scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled.
Cardiff City’s match against Watford and Newport County’s game against Carlisle have also been postponed.
The red warning is due to come into effect at 03: 00 GMT and remain in force until 11: 00.
An amber warning for rain has also been issued between 03: 00 and 18: 00 on Saturday, with as much as 3.5in (90mm) likely to fall for 14 counties in south and mid Wales.
There is also an amber warning for wind covering the country from 01: 00 to 21: 00 and a yellow rain warning until noon.
The last red warning in Wales came during Storm Eunice in 2022, which left tens of thousands without power.
The current red wind warning covers Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan.
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