Storm Bert has arrived in the UK, bringing a mix of heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptive snowfall expected to create chaos across much of the country. Dubbed a “multi-hazard event” by the Met Office, the storm will impact travel, power supplies, and rural areas with icy conditions and possible flooding.
Key Weather Warnings in Place
The Met Office has issued multiple warnings, including two rare amber alerts, as Storm Bert barrels across the nation. These include:
- Amber Alert for Snow and Ice
From 7am to 5pm Saturday, heavy snow is forecast for areas north of Scotland’s central belt, including Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire, and parts of the Highlands.- Accumulation: 10-20cm above 200m and as much as 20-40cm on higher hills above 400m.
- Potential for road closures, power cuts, and hazardous travel conditions.
- Yellow Warnings for Wind, Rain, and Snow
- Wind Warnings: Scotland (5am–7pm Saturday) and coastal southern England (3pm–9pm Saturday).
- Rain Warnings: Northern England (4am–9am), Northern Ireland (midnight Friday–11am Saturday), Wales (6am Saturday–6am Sunday), and South West England (6am–11:45pm Saturday).
- Snow Warnings: Northern England and parts of Wales, with snowfall expected as far south as the Welsh Valleys.
Impacted Areas and What to Expect
- Northern Scotland: The heaviest snowfall, particularly in high-altitude areas, will create treacherous driving conditions and risks of rural communities being cut off.
- Northern England and Cumbria: Snowfall in the early hours could cause significant delays on roads and railways.
- South West England and Wales: Heavy rain may lead to localized flooding while melting snow could compound issues.
- Southern England and Coastal Areas: Strong winds will pose hazards, particularly along the coastlines.
Disruptions and Travel Chaos
National Rail has warned of significant disruptions to train services across England, Scotland, and Wales, with some routes potentially flooding due to the thawing of snow. Drivers have been advised to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas and to be prepared for delays and road closures.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon commented, “Storm Bert is bringing a combination of high winds, snow, and heavy rain. This is a very complex and unsettled weekend of weather, and we urge everyone to take precautions.”
What’s Next?
Storm Bert is expected to continue its impact into Sunday, with weather warnings extending through the weekend. The Met Office and emergency services are advising residents to stay informed, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
Stay tuned for more updates on Storm Bert’s progress and its impact across the U
