Snow-covered roads, fierce winds, and torrential rain are putting the UK on edge as Storm Bert barrels through. Power outages and travel disruptions are spreading, but forecasters say the storm’s full force has yet to strike. With six weather warnings in place, how prepared is the nation for what’s next?
‘Worst of Storm Bert Yet to Arrive’: UK Faces Power Cuts, Travel Chaos, and Flood Risks
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 23 November 2024 14:30
Thousands of homes are in the dark, flights are cancelled and roads are gridlocked as Storm Bert unleashes its fury across the UK. Forecasters warn that the most severe impacts are yet to come, with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snow expected to intensify.
Power Cuts Leave Thousands in the Dark as Storm Bert Intensifies
Around 4,000 homes across the Midlands, southwest England, and south Wales have been left without electricity, according to the National Grid. The Energy Networks Association (ENA) has deployed extra engineers and monitoring teams to manage the storm’s escalating impacts.
Ross Easton of the ENA described the event as a “multi-hazard storm,” emphasizing the challenges posed by a combination of severe weather factors. Localized power cuts are expected to rise as conditions worsen.
Key Preparations in Place:
- Engineers and contact teams are on standby for emergency repairs.
- Control rooms are monitoring conditions closely to respond swiftly to new outages.
Storm Bert continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds across many parts of the UK 🌧️
Here is meteorologist @GregDewhurst with all the latest 👇 pic.twitter.com/seh0CqOngM
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 23, 2024
Roads and Skies Paralysed by Snow and Winds
The storm is wreaking havoc on travel infrastructure. The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire has been closed due to high winds, while snow has forced the closure of the A66 in County Durham. Scotland’s M80 near Castlecary has seen traffic grind to a standstill, with drivers urged to avoid non-essential journeys.
In the air, flights at Newcastle Airport faced significant disruption, with arrivals diverted to Belfast and Edinburgh as snow blanketed the runway. Rail services have not been spared, with Avanti West Coast canceling its Edinburgh-to-Carlisle service for the entire day.
Six Warnings Issued as Scots Face ‘Amber Alert’:
- Amber warnings for snow and ice remain in effect in Scotland, with up to 40 cm expected on high ground.
- The Met Office advises against unnecessary travel as conditions deteriorate.
Coastal Regions Brace for Flooding and Gale-Force Winds
Southern England and Wales are under yellow warnings for heavy rain and wind. The Met Office predicts up to 70 mm of rain across many areas, with some locations such as Dartmoor at risk of seeing up to 150 mm. Gale-force winds are expected to reach speeds of 70mph (112.65 km/h) along the coasts.
Sporting events have also felt the storm’s impact. The Championship football match between Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth was postponed due to a flooded pitch at Ewood Park. Check for flooding in your area here.
Public safety is being urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for further disruption as Storm Bert continues to develop. Emergency teams and forecasters are working around the clock to manage the effects of the storm and keep the public informed.