Storm Dave unleashed extreme winds and widespread disruption across the United Kingdom over the Easter weekend, particularly impacting Wales, Northern Ireland, Greater Manchester, and the Lake District. Recorded wind speeds reached up to 93mph in Capel Curig, north Wales, significantly higher than forecasted, leading the Met Office to issue amber and yellow severe weather warnings, with some amber alerts indicating a 'danger to life' for parts of northern England, north-west Wales, and southern Scotland.

Thousands of homes were plunged into darkness as power outages affected communities across the storm-hit regions. In Northern Ireland, approximately 2,000 homes in County Armagh and County Down lost electricity, while in Wales, areas like Glynneath, Abergavenny, and parts of south, west, and north Wales experienced widespread cuts. Although services were largely restored, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) had taken precautionary measures, increasing staffing and deploying spare equipment in anticipation of infrastructure damage.

Travel across the UK suffered significant disruption on roads, railways, and even air and ferry services. Dublin Airport cancelled 17 flights as pilots grappled with strong winds, and several ferry services in Scotland and Northern Ireland were also cancelled. On the railways, emergency speed restrictions were enforced by ScotRail, while Network Rail Manchester announced rail replacement bus services between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester due to track obstructions. Further rail chaos ensued when a tree fell onto lines between Manchester Piccadilly and Preston, blocking services, and another incident saw a tree fall onto overhead railway lines near Adlington, Lancashire, catching fire and causing explosions, which blocked major routes between Manchester, Bolton, Blackpool, and Preston for several hours. Road closures included the Woodhead Pass for high-sided vehicles, and the Humber Bridge in Yorkshire was closed overnight before reopening. Major bridges such as Edinburgh’s Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing faced traffic restrictions due to the strong winds.

Property damage was also a notable consequence of Storm Dave. In Heaton Moor, Stockport, a large tree fell, damaging the roof and windows of a residential building and uprooting a pavement, necessitating a cordon by the Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service. A particularly close call occurred in Burnage, Manchester, where a 'massive' tree crashed down 'just 10 feet away' from a grandson's bedroom, instead landing on a family car, causing damage to the vehicle, fencing, and disrupting local internet services. The grandfather, John Glover, expressed shock and claimed to have previously raised concerns about the tree with Manchester City Council.

The Lake District witnessed an exceptionally busy period for mountain rescue teams and other emergency services. A major multi-agency operation was launched on Derwentwater when three unprepared canoeists, none wearing life jackets, capsized in rough conditions. All three were safely rescued after one made it to shore, another swam to St Herbert’s Island, and the third remained in the water, highlighting the extreme risks. Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was also scrambled for multiple other incidents, including rescuing two teenagers whose tent was destroyed by high winds at Sprinkling Tarn, a solo camper needing an escort off the hill, and a walker whose camp was ruined at High How’s Wood. Another rescue involved a young male suffering a suspected lower leg fracture and hypothermia at Tarn Crag. Rescue teams issued stark warnings, emphasizing the critical importance of checking weather forecasts, wearing buoyancy aids, and having appropriate skills and equipment, especially when severe weather is predicted.

As Storm Dave began to clear northeast on Sunday morning, it left behind sunshine and widespread showers across the UK, with northern areas experiencing the heaviest, blustery showers and feeling cold, while other regions saw temperatures closer to average for early April. The Met Office forecast a rise in temperatures after Easter Monday, with warmer air from Europe expected to push readings into the low 20s Celsius, potentially reaching 23C or 24C by Wednesday. Despite the storm's departure, lingering concerns included numerous coastal flood warnings and alerts that remained in place across England, Scotland, and Wales. Some council facilities in Northern Ireland also remained closed, with visitors advised to stay clear of parks and nature reserves.