Storm Bert latest updates: Man dies and thousands still hit by power cuts as ‘worst weather yet to come’
Winds up to 70mph set to lash areas as more than 100 flood alerts issued
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Your support makes all the difference.A man has died after a tree fell on a car as Storm Bert batters the UK and Ireland with heavy rain, high winds and snow, bringing power cuts, flooding and travel chaos.
Winds of up to 70mph are set to lash coastal areas and, as temperatures rise on Saturday, melting snow and heavy rain are causing flooding, with UK power chiefs warning the worst of the impact is yet to come.
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.
Tens of thousands of homes have been without power, with 4,000 homes affected in the Midlands, south-west England and South Wales and 27,000 customers affected in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. In Ireland, thousands were still left without electricity on Saturday evening.
More than 100 flood alerts are in place across the UK, while the Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rain and wind in many parts of the country.
Ross Easton, of Energy Networks Association (ENA), which represents the UK’s power network operators, warned: “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
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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