Storm Bert has caused significant disruption across the UK, particularly in Wales, as it brings heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous conditions. Travelers, commuters, and residents are facing severe challenges due to the storm, which is expected to last through the weekend. This storm has already affected travel, power, and daily life, with widespread closures, cancellations, and a growing risk of flooding.

The Impact on Travel Across Wales

One of the major disruptions caused by Storm Bert has been to travel. The M48 Severn Bridge, an important route connecting Wales to England, was closed in both directions for most of Saturday due to high winds. This closure caused massive traffic jams, with eight miles of traffic building up along the M4 westbound between junctions 19 and 22. Motorists were warned that they could experience delays of more than 40 minutes as they navigated the detours.

The storm’s impact on other roads has been felt in areas across Wales, including Bridgend, Gwynedd, Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Conwy. Traffic has been slow, and drivers have had to deal with difficult conditions, including reduced visibility and waterlogged roads. To make matters worse, in Cardiff, additional road closures were put in place ahead of the Wales vs South Africa rugby match, leading to further delays for commuters.

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Rail and Air Travel Disruptions

The storm has also caused widespread issues for rail services. Several routes were cancelled or altered on Saturday due to the weather, including those between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and between Shrewsbury and Wrexham. Some services were also cancelled between Swansea and Shropshire. The Heart of Wales line, which runs from Swansea to Shropshire, also remained closed, and engineering works between Llandrindod and Swansea caused further delays.

A shortage of train drivers in some areas has led to reduced services, particularly for CrossCountry trains between Birmingham New Street, Bournemouth, and Cardiff Central. Passengers were advised to check their services regularly, as some trains were at risk of being cancelled.

Airports around the country have also been affected by the storm, with flight cancellations and delays at major airports like Heathrow, Glasgow, and Newcastle. Strong winds and poor visibility caused some flights to be diverted or delayed, impacting thousands of travelers.

Power Outages and Safety Risks

As the storm raged on, strong winds of up to 70mph were recorded, leaving thousands of homes without power. In Ireland, at least 11,000 homes were affected, and power outages also spread to parts of the UK, including South Wales, the Midlands, and parts of the North. Energy companies have been working hard to restore power, but many customers were expected to remain without electricity overnight.

The storm’s dangerous winds also caused a number of accidents. Tragically, a man in his 60s died when a tree fell onto his car on the A34 near Winchester. This fatality highlights the serious risks posed by the storm, with emergency services on high alert across the affected regions. In North Wales, five adults and five children were rescued after a landslide trapped them in their house. Thankfully, everyone was safely taken to a warm location while emergency services continued their work.

Flooding and Snowfall Across the UK

One of the biggest concerns with Storm Bert is the risk of flooding. As temperatures begin to rise, melting snow combined with heavy rainfall is expected to cause dangerous flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. The Met Office issued warnings for up to 70mm of rain in some regions, with some places like Dartmoor facing as much as 150mm of rain over the weekend.

In Northern Ireland, residents have already been dealing with severe flooding, particularly around Dundonald and Coalisland, where homes and roads were submerged. Some people were trapped in their homes as floodwaters rose, and emergency crews worked quickly to rescue those in danger. The flooding also led to the cancellation of several events, including the Christmas lights switch-on in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

As the storm continues to move across the UK, areas in Scotland, Yorkshire, and the North-East are also bracing for heavy snow and rain. The Met Office issued amber warnings for snow, especially in the higher regions, and advised people to stay home if possible. This snowfall, combined with the rain, will make conditions even more hazardous for travelers.

The Ongoing Threat of Storm Bert

Storm Bert is being described by meteorologists as a “multi-hazard event,” meaning it combines several severe weather conditions at once, including strong winds, heavy snow, and heavy rain. While the storm has already caused significant disruption, the worst of the weather is still expected to hit over the weekend, particularly on Sunday. With wind speeds expected to remain high and more rain predicted, conditions could worsen, particularly in coastal areas.

The storm has been described as a “dangerous event” due to the risks it poses to life and property. Forecasters are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions against flooding and falling trees. The National Grid and other emergency services have deployed extra staff to handle the increasing number of incidents.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

If you are in an area affected by Storm Bert, it’s important to stay informed and take the necessary precautions. Here are some tips to stay safe during the storm:

• Stay indoors: If possible, stay at home and avoid traveling. Storm Bert is causing dangerous conditions on the roads and in the air.
• Check your power supply: If you lose power, keep your mobile phone charged and have flashlights or candles available.
• Prepare for flooding: If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure you have sandbags or other barriers ready to protect your property.
• Check weather warnings: Keep an eye on local weather updates and warnings to stay informed about any changes in conditions.
• Be cautious near trees and power lines: Strong winds can cause trees to fall, so avoid areas with trees and be careful when walking near power lines.

Last Words

Storm Bert has been a major event, causing significant disruption across the UK and Wales. From road closures to rail cancellations, power outages, and flooding, the storm has had a widespread impact. It is important for everyone to stay safe by staying indoors, monitoring the weather, and preparing for possible flooding. While the storm continues, it is vital to be aware of the dangers and take the necessary precautions.