Storm Bert live updates: Man dies after tree falls on car as ‘worst weather yet to arrive’
Scores of flood alerts issued across UK as major rail routes and roads closed amid ‘avalanche risk’ in mountains
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man has died in Hampshire after a tree fell on a car as Storm Bert brings power cuts, heavy snow and high winds to the UK.
Hampshire Police said it was called just before 8am this morning to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall and found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 dead at the scene.
Two severe amber weather alerts were issued in parts of Scotland and England on Saturday morning, with up to 40cm of snow expected to fall in higher areas during a two to four-hour burst in which it will fall “thick and fast” ahead of a “rapid thaw” expected to cause localised flooding, the Met Office said.
With some rural communities expected to be cut off and 4,000 households in England and Wales left without power, the forecaster has urged people to keep a phone charger, torch and batteries at hand, while rail and road travel authorities urged caution and closed several major routes on Saturday.
The worst of the weather, however, is still on its way, according to UK power network chiefs.
Ross Easton, of Energy Networks Association (ENA), which represents the UK’s power network operators, said: “There are a few localised weather-related power cuts in parts of Britain this morning. However, for most parts of the country the severe weather hasn’t yet had a significant impact. Forecasters are describing this as a ‘multi-hazard event’ with the worst of the weather yet to arrive.”
Storm Bert map: When and where UK will be hit by 70mph winds and rain after Met Office issue weather warning
Holidaymakers at Newcastle airport face delays as runway ‘decimated’ by snow
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Met Office confirm Storm Bert to hit UK this weekend
How to stay safe during Storm Bert
Up to four hours of snow and 40cm expected ahead of ‘rapid thaw’, Met Office says
Storm Bert is expected to bring around two to four hours of snow to affected areas on Saturday before a “rapid thaw”, the Met Office forecast on Friday.
The forecaster said that areas higher than 400m metres above sea level could see between 20 and 40cm of snow on Saturday, with 10 to 20cm in areas 200 metres above sea level, and 2 to 5cm in lower areas.
Drivers have been urged to be careful on the roads
The RAC urged people to take care on the roads.
RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: “The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year.
“With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.”
Ambert weather alerts now in force in Scotland and England
Severe ambert weather alerts are now in force for snow and ice in parts of Scotland and England.
The first warning, in force until 5pm, covers parts of Perthshire and the southern Highlands, while the second – in force until midday – stretches from just north of Bradford and Harrogate to as far north as Peebles in the Scottish Borders, but is confined mainly to rural areas in central northern England.
The two severe Met Office alerts warn that Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow, leading to some disruption.
There is a good chance rural communities could become cut off, with power cuts likely and mobile phone coverage potentially taking a hit, while travel delays are likely and passengers could become stranded.
Cold weather payments triggered in UK snow – check if you’re eligible and when to expect money
Cold Weather Payments triggered in UK snow – check if you’re eligible
Snow has begun to fall across the UK
52,000 households likely to require help over weekend, say British Gas
British Gas are expecting to see up to 52,000 households require help this weekend with their heating and hot water systems, as temperatures are set to plummet.
Their engineers have urged homeowners to prepare in advance by carrying out simple tasks such as bleeding their radiators and having boilers serviced.
Other tips include carefully checking water pipes, arranging furniture for warmth and preparing your heating before bedtime.
How to protect your heart during the winter
Warning over heart attacks and strokes caused by cold temperatures
Experts on how to look after your vital organ this winter
Does cold weather affect blood pressure?
Does cold weather affect blood pressure?
Wrapping up warm, eating well and exercising indoors will help keep your blood pressure levels stable this winter.
Charities warn of impact of cold weather as UK feels ‘first taste of winter’
Charities have warned of the impact of the cold weather on society’s most vulnerable people as the UK experiences what the Met Office has called “the first taste of winter”.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season this week and, along with charity Age UK, warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the charity was worried that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be “extra fearful” about turning on their heating this winter.
Energy suppliers to spend £500 million on winter bills support
Energy suppliers to spend £500 million on winter bills support
The extra support comes as the Government seeks to reduce the impact of cutting winter fuel payments to about 10 million pensioners.
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Met Office confirm Storm Bert to hit UK this weekend
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Storm Bert hits UK
James, Lewis and Mavis are all included on the new list
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments