Weather Alert: A Lethal Mix of Snow, Flooding and 70MPH Winds Set to Paralyse Britain This Weekend

The UK is preparing for the arrival of Storm Bert, which is expected to deliver a mix of extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and winds reaching up to 70 mph (112.65 km/h). This marks the season’s first significant winter storm, with widespread disruptions anticipated.

Snow and Ice Warnings Across the Country

Significant snowfall is forecast for areas of Scotland and northern England, particularly at higher elevations. Snowfall amounts of 10-20 cm are expected at elevations above 200 metres, with amounts of up to 40 cm at higher elevations above 400 metres. These conditions are likely to create difficult travel and outdoor conditions in the affected regions.

Temperatures will plummet, falling below -7 °C in some areas. This significant drop will bring widespread frost and icy conditions that will persist through the weekend. The combination of freezing temperatures and accumulating snow will increase the danger, particularly on untreated roads and paths.

The heaviest snow and worst road conditions are forecast for Scotland, the north of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These regions should prepare for disruption and take precautions to mitigate the impact of this wintry weather system.

A cold, frosty and icy start to Friday morning with wintry showers for some of us, these rather heavy in northern areas ⚠️

Plenty of sunshine developing though, especially for more inland areas 🌤️ pic.twitter.com/jlgawMB3Bz

— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2024

Flood Risks Increase With Rapid Thawing

Heavy rain will exacerbate the impact of melting snow, leading to potential flooding in parts of Wales, southwest England, and the Midlands. Rainfall is expected to range from 50-100 mm in the hardest-hit areas, posing risks of:

• Localized flooding: Particularly in low-lying and coastal regions.
• Infrastructure strain: Increased risk of power outages due to combined weather effects.

Residents are advised to prepare for these conditions, especially in areas prone to flooding. Check for flooding in your area here.

Widespread Travel Disruptions Expected

• Roads: Drivers face hazardous conditions, with black ice likely on untreated surfaces.
• Rail and air travel: Cancellations and delays are expected, with National Rail anticipating four days of disruption as snow and wind affect key routes.

Authorities have emphasised the need for caution, urging commuters to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm.

Weather Outlook for the Coming Days

Milder air is forecast for early next week. However, the weekend remains a critical period for severe weather. Snow and ice warnings are expected to remain in place until Saturday. This will be followed by heavy rain and strong winds across the country. Here are a few technical snapshots of how Storm Bert looks set to impact:

Residents are advised to monitor Met Office updates closely and take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of Storm Bert.