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
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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.”
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How to stay safe during Storm Bert
Drivers should stick to major roads and prepare for breakdown emergencies
RAC Breakdown spokesperson 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.
“Drivers should ensure their tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure to give them the best possible grip on the road. It’s best to stick to major roads, rather than rural areas where surfaces may not be gritted, reduce speeds and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front to ensure you have more time to stop.
“Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”
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How are storms named?
In the UK, a storm will be named when it has the potential to cause disruption or damage which could result in an amber or red warning.
The Met Office usually name storms on the basis of the impacts from strong winds, but the impacts of other weather types will also be considered.
When the criteria for naming a storm are met, either the Met Office, Met Éireann or KNMI can name a storm, taking the name from the latest list in alphabetical order.
After Bert, the next five storms will be:
- Conall
- Darragh
- Éowyn
- Floris
- Gerben
Britons warned to stock up on water and food ahead of heavy snow and wind
Brits have been warned to stock up on essential supplies ahead Storm Bert this weekend, as the UK braces for 70mph winds and heavy rain.
There are eight Met Office weather warnings - including a severe amber one - in place across the UK on Saturday and Sunday as the second named storm of the season begins to arrive on Friday night.
Advice reportedly sent to British Gas customers includes a recommendation that people stockpile three days’ worth of food and water incase the weather disrupts travel and power.
It also urged people to keep a phone charger, torch and batteries nearby.
Heavy rain alert issued for Cork and Galway as Storm Bert to sweep across island
Several snow, wind and rain warnings have been issued for counties across the island of Ireland as Storm Bert is expected to land this weekend.
A status red warning has been issued for Galway and Cork on Saturday and there is a risk of flooding and difficult driving conditions in most counties from Friday night until Saturday afternoon.
After a cold snap during the week that created challenging road conditions in several parts of the country, people are now being asked to be aware of hazards on the road this weekend.
Falls of sleet and snow are possible in the north and north west overnight on Friday, forecasters Met Eireann said, as the storm tracks north west.
Flooding and gusty winds are the greater risk on Saturday, but will ease off in the mid-afternoon before more heavy rain moves in from the west.
A status red rain warning is in place for Cork and Galway from midnight until 10am on Saturday, with heavy rainfall expected in west Cork in particular.
Severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses, and dangerous road conditions are possible in those counties, Met Eireann have warned.
A status orange rain warning is in place for the same time period for counties Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, creating a risk of river flooding, very difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.
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 is climate change affecting snow in the UK?
In recent decades, the intensity and frequency of heavy snowfall in the UK has reduced, and is expected to further reduce in recent years.
Between 1961 to 1990, it snowed for an average of 36.3 days each year in the UK, which has since reduced to 23.7 leading up to 2010.
In pictures: Snow continues to blanket parts of the UK
In Pictures: Snow continues to blanket parts of the UK
Temperatures dropped below zero in some parts of the country on Wednesday morning.
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