Storm Bert latest updates: Danger to life weather warnings for rain and wind as 300 areas hit by flood risk
Severe disruption Storm Bert brings torrential rains and winds to UK
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.The Met Office has warned of a danger to life as six weather warnings for wind and rain remain in force while Storm Bert batters the UK, placing more than 300 areas at risk of flooding and causing severe travel disruption.
Winds of up to 82mph have so far been recorded and, as temperatures rise, melting snow and heavy rain are causing flooding, with energy chiefs warning the worst of the impact is yet to come. Weather alerts were in force across the UK on Sunday.
A man in his 60s has died after a tree fell on his car in Hampshire, while 10 people were rescued from a home hit by a landslide in north Wales, rescue services said.
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.
Man dies as Storm Bert batters UK bringing flooding, power cuts and travel chaos
Storm Bert map: When and where UK will be hit by snow and winds after Met Office issue weather warning
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
Blackburn and Bradford fixtures among matches called off due to Storm Bert
Storm Bert has wreaked havoc on the domestic football calendar with Blackburn’s Championship clash against Portsmouth one of a number of games called off.
Bradford’s League Two game against Accrington and Fleetwood’s match with MK Dons have also become victims of the weather.
In the National League, the derby between Rochdale and Oldham and Halifax’s meeting with Sutton have also gone.
Blackburn and Bradford fixtures among matches called off due to Storm Bert
Bradford’s League Two game against Accrington and Fleetwood’s match with MK Dons have also become victims of the weather.
Thousands without power in England and Wales as ‘worst yet to come'
The National Grid said around 4,000 homes in its region of the Midlands, south-west England and south Wales, are without power.
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, and so our members have extra engineers and contact centre teams available, and control rooms are monitoring the storm closely as it develops.”
Why has Met Office issued amber alert?
In its amber weather alert, covering parts of central Scotland, the Met Office warns that Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow, leading to some disruption on Saturday. It warns that:
- Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off
- Some delays and cancellations to rail travel are likely
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments