Storm Bert latest: Thousands without power and travel chaos as UK braces for 40cm of snow and 70mph winds
Scores of flood alerts issued across UK amid warnings of ‘atrocious’ travel conditions and ‘avalanche risk’ in mountains
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Your support makes all the difference.Storm Bert is causing severe travel disruption and power cuts as the “multi-hazard” weather event brings heavy snow and rain to swathes of Britain.
Two severe amber weather alerts are in force in parts of Scotland and England, 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 some 60,000 households in Ireland currently left without power, the Met Office 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.
There are a further seven lesser yellow weather alerts covering much of the UK, relating to blizzard-strength winds and torrential rain. Powerful winds of up to 68mph have already been recorded, while the Met Office warns parts of Wales and South West England could see more than 100mm of rain.
Championship football clash between Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth postponed
A Championship football match in Lancashire has been postponed due to torrential rain.
Blackburn Rovers were set to face Portsmouth at Ewood Park at 3pm on Saturday but the match will now be played at a later date.
In a post on X, Blackburn Rovers said: “Due to an unplayable pitch caused by torrential rain, today’s match against Portsmouth at Ewood Park has been postponed by the match official. We will announce details of the rearranged fixture in due course.”
Heavy snow on Scotland’s central road artery
Heavy snow has been reported near Dalwhinnie on Scotland’s A9 artery.
13cm of snow recorded in Staffordshire
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said the effects of the storm would continue throughout the weekend.
“We expect the worst of the snow to pass by 12pm in Yorkshire but there will be some heavy rain and travelling conditions throughout the day will be pretty poor,” he said.
He said there was 13cm of snow measured in Leek in Staffordshire on Saturday morning and 68mph winds in Brixham, Devon.
“As milder weather comes in snow will melt, leading to pretty hazardous conditions,” Mr Snell said.
Police Scotland urge all road users to ‘consider if they really need to travel'
Police Scotland has urged all motorists to consider whether their journeys are essential, as Storm Bert brings snow to much of the country.
Superintendent Vinnie Fisher, Police Scotland’s deputy road policing chief, said: “All road users should consider if they really need to travel in adverse weather.
“When driving on ice and snow, keep well back from the road user in front. Stopping distances can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads. Check your windscreen washer levels and ensure your windows are completely clear before driving. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
“Listen to media broadcasts for updates, follow Transport Scotland and the Met Office on social media and share information with others.”
Scores of new flood alerts issued
Scores of new flood alerts have been issued this morning, as authorities brace for thick snow to rapidly thaw amid predictions of up to 100mm of rainfall in some areas.
In England, the Environment Agency now has 49 flood alerts in place – mostly concentrated in the South West and North West – and one more severe flood warning, which means flooding is imminent.
Scotland’s environmental protection agency has issued six flood alerts, while Natural Resources Wales has 20 flood alerts in place.
Mountain rescue team warns of avalanche risk
The Killin Mountain Rescue Team, which operates in the southern Highlands, has warned of agencies reporting that heavy snow – followed by rainfall – will create snow instability and an avalanche risk, amid “wintery and wild” conditions.
Storm Bert causes power cuts for 60,000 households in Ireland
More than 60,000 households in Ireland have been hit with power cuts after Storm Bert swept across the country on Friday.
The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said that high winds had caused power outages for 60,000 customers, with the worst affected counties including Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Kerry and Cork.
Flights disrupted at Edinburgh and Newcastle airports
Flights have been disrupted at Edinburghand Newcastle airports as Storm Bert brings heavy snow to Scotland and North East England.
Newcastle airport’s online departure board shows many flights set to depart this morning have been delayed, while the 9.30am British Airways service to Heathrow was cancelled.
The live arrival board shows flights diverted to Belfast and Edinburgh. However, just three flights appear to have so far taken off from Edinburgh Airport this morning, following several hours of continuous snowfall.
Newcastle airport posted on X: “Due to Storm Bert, the airport has had continuous, heavy snow this morning. Our snow team is operational and are working hard to keep any disruption to a minimum and we will provide a further update later this morning.
“Passengers are advised to visit our website for the latest flight information and to contact their airline directly if they have any queries.”
Edinburgh airport said: “With StormBert moving in, please plan ahead if you are travelling today. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest information on their flight.”
Severn Bridge closed in both directions
The Severn Bridge has been closed in both directions due to strong winds.
Road users in Gloucestershire are advised to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternate route, National Highways said.
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