Man in his 40s dies in Storm Darragh after tree falls on his van in Lancashire as 93mph winds hit UK

A MAN in his 40s has died in Storm Darragh after a tree fell on his van in Lancashire.

The man was driving his Citroen vehicle on the A59 at Longton, near Preston, at about 9am on Saturday.

A man has died after a tree fell on his van in Lancashire (not pictured)
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A man has died after a tree fell on his van in Lancashire (not pictured)Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
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The storm has caused travel chaos across the UK today, with this tree in Somerset blocking a road after it collapsedCredit: ANDREW LLOYD
Residents in the worst affected areas were advised to stay in their homes
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Residents in the worst affected areas were advised to stay in their homesCredit: PA

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Sgt Matt Davidson, from Lancashire Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Very sadly this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“An investigation is ongoing, and I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any dashcam or mobile phone footage to please get in touch.”

Thousands have been left without power as 93mph winds from the storm battered the UK today.

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The emergency alert came into effect at 1am for people covered by the red wind warning in parts of Wales and the south west England.

It was the largest use of the warning system yet, with the alert urging residents to avoid driving and to "stay indoors if you can".

Wind gusts of up to 92mph have been recorded overnight in Capel Curig in North Wales and Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula.

Gusts of between 72-78mph were recorded along the coasts of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Today's Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton has been postponed because of the storm, the clubs said.

Thousands of people across Northern Ireland, England and Wales have been left without power as they brace for the storm’s impact.

93mph Storm Darragh: Travel chaos, thousands without power and Merseyside Derby called off

The Energy Networks Association said 86,000 homes in England, Scotland and Wales are without power.

National Grid has said more than 55,000 customers have no power supply across the South West, South Wales and the West Midlands.

An amber warning for wind remains in place until 9pm for much of the west coast of England, Wales, and Scotland.

It's also in place for the entirety of Northern Ireland.

The Met Office warns there could be potential damage to buildings and homes in these areas, with either roofs blown off or power lines brought down.

It also warned of further travel disruption and a "danger to life" from flying debris and falling trees.

The weather agency had advised those living in the worst affected areas to secure any lose items outside their home.

It also advised those travelling to plan in advance, check bus and train timetables, and to amend their plans if necessary.

Less severe yellow wind and rain warnings are also in place across much of the UK.

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Disruption has been widespread across the UK, with Cardiff City's home Championship fixture against Watford on Saturday being postponed.

A League Two match between Newport County and Carlisle United also suffered the same fate.