Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

Storm Bert weather warnings live: Britons warned to stock up on water and food ahead of heavy snow and wind

Parts of the country are bracing for power cuts as charities and energy companies warn homeowners to stay warm as temperatures drop to freezing

Simon Calder,Namita Singh,Jabed Ahmed
Friday 22 November 2024 18:47 GMT
Comments
UK braces for ‘disruptive snow’, ice and cold temperatures

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.

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.

Jason Kelly, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: “Storm Bert is what we call a ‘multi-hazard event’, bringing snow, rain and wind to the UK for the majority of the weekend. Multiple National Severe Weather Warnings are in place and will be added to and amended over the weekend.

Wintry weather sees schools shut

Hundreds of schools are closed amid snowy conditions ahead of disruption forecast for the weekend as Storm Bert sweeps in.

A Met Office yellow warning of snow and ice is in place across northern Scotland until midday on Thursday, with 2-5cm of snow expected fairly widely.

A new alert has now been issued warning of snow and ice for much of Scotland, northern England and parts of western and eastern England and Wales between midday on Thursday and 10am on Friday.

Read the full article here:

Wintry weather sees schools shut as more disruption forecast with Storm Bert

The Met Office said the storm will bring ‘heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow’ over the weekend.

Holly Evans22 November 2024 02:00

Met Office issues danger to life warning as more snow forecast over weekend

Heavy snow will continue to fall over the weekend as the Met Office warned of a danger to life in some parts of the country.

The deluge is expected on Saturday followed by a rapid thaw and rain in north-east and north-west England, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and much of Scotland.

The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings for the coming days, with residents urged to be prepared for power cuts as they are warned flooding from heavy rain could be pose a danger to life on Saturday night.

Read the full article here:

Met Office issues danger to life warning as more snow forecast over weekend

Warning that snow turning to heavy rain on Saturday night cause pose danger to life

Holly Evans22 November 2024 00:00

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.”

Holly Evans21 November 2024 23:00

UK weather: Storm Bert to bring snow, flooding and 70mph winds this weekend

Britain is facing more snow, heavy rain and strong winds this weekend as Storm Bert sweeps across the country, with the Met Office warning that travel disruption and flooding are likely.

Weather warnings are in place every day until Sunday – including seven on Saturday – as the country braces for more wintry weather after temperatures plummeted earlier in the week.

An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in force between 7am and 5pm on Saturday in an area north of Scotland’s central belt, where 10-20cm is likely on ground above 200 metres and potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400 metres.

Read the full article here:

Storm Bert to bring snow, flooding and gusts up to 70mph winds this weekend

Power cuts and travel disruption likely and there’s a good chance some rural communities could be cut off, forecaster warns

Holly Evans21 November 2024 22:00

Met Office warn rainfall in excess of 100mm is possible

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “Storm Bert marks a shift to much milder air and wintry hazards will gradually diminish through the weekend, but heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday, especially over higher ground, and warnings are in place.

“Heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday, especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some with a number of warnings in place.

“We expect 50-75mm of rainfall quite widely within the warning areas, but in excess of 100mm is possible over high ground in parts of Wales and south-west England.

“In addition, rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate impacts and bring the potential for travel disruption, as well as flooding for some.”

Holly Evans21 November 2024 21:00

Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow?

Temperatures are dropping across the UK with snow weather warnings in place for parts of the country.

Temperatures dropped to minus 7.8C in Tulloch Bridge, Scotland, in the early hours of Monday, which is the lowest temperature the UK has seen since last winter.

Cold temperatures, ice and further snow feature on the forecast for the coming days in what the Met Office deemed is the country’s “first taste of winter”. With this news, many will be thinking about how this chilly weather may affect our pets.

It’s important to prepare our dogs, as well as ourselves, for this forecast.

Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow?

Tips for how to look after your pets during the cold weather

Holly Evans21 November 2024 20:00

Met Office’s five day weather forecast

This Evening and Tonight:

A cold evening and night to come for much of the UK. A widespread frost developing, along with icy stretches. Sleet and snow showers will continue to move southwards, leading to further snow accumulations in places, mainly in the north.

Friday:

Another frosty and in places icy start on Friday with sunshine and wintry showers continuing in exposed areas. Showers and winds gradually easing through the afternoon.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Turning wet and windy for all on Saturday, with some hill snow initially, and blustery showers on Sunday and Monday. Milder on Saturday and Sunday but cooler again into Monday.

Holly Evans21 November 2024 19:00

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in