Storm Bert: Weather warnings in place for high winds, snow and rain
Storm Bert is predicted to arrive in the UK on Saturday, bringing strong winds and possible flooding.
There will likely be significant disturbances this weekend, with wind speeds projected to reach 40-60 mph (65-96 km/h) in Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales, and northern England.
An amber alert for snow and ice has been announced for central Scotland, and several yellow alerts for rain and wind are set for Saturday and Sunday.
The Environment Agency has warned that intense rainfall may cause localized flooding in parts of northern England.
The unsettling outlook follows a sudden cold wave that covered large areas of the UK with snow and ice. Temperatures are predicted to stay chilly on Friday.
The Met Office has released several weather alerts for northern and southwestern England, as well as Scotland, for the upcoming Saturday and Sunday. This is in anticipation of Storm Bert, which is expected to bring various weather-related risks.
A yellow wind alert has been announced for Scotland and some regions of Northern England, set to be in effect from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM GMT this Saturday.
Everyone will experience stronger winds, but the most intense gusts, reaching speeds of up to 70mph (113km/h), are expected near the Irish Sea and the southern coasts of England.
Strong winds are expected to persist at intervals throughout Sunday and Monday as Storm Bert gradually moves eastward across the UK.
High winds can lead to harm and disturbances in the transportation systems and structures, and they may also result in power outages.
Network Rail is recommending that travelers verify their routes before heading out this weekend.
In the south-western part of England and Wales, the Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning, predicting that throughout Saturday, widespread rainfall could reach between 50 and 75mm (2 to 3 inches).
The heaviest and most continuous downpours are expected in southern Wales and southwestern England, where they could receive up to 150mm (6 inches) of rain. This amount is equivalent to the typical rainfall for the entire month of November, but it will occur in just a single day.
With rain moving in across the nation, we can expect some light snowfall on the higher ground in Northern Ireland and Wales for a short period.
Bert is anticipated to deliver significant snowfall and storms to elevated areas in northern England and Scotland, which will make traveling quite challenging.
The Met Office is predicting that regions in the higher elevations north of Scotland's central belt could see between 20 to 40 centimeters of snow. An amber warning for heavy snow and ice will be in effect from 07:00 to 17:00 on Saturday.
Authorities are advising against road travel in Scotland on Saturday as the nation prepares for additional heavy snowfall.
Oli Claydon, a spokesperson for the Met Office, described Storm Bert as a "multi-hazard event" impacting the UK.
He mentioned that due to the varying weather conditions throughout the UK, it's important for people to understand the forecast as it relates to their particular area.
In the southern parts, you’ll encounter wind and rain, while in the northern regions, it’s a mix of snow, followed by rain and wind. Essentially, the weather can vary significantly depending on your location in the UK.
An amber cold weather warning has been issued for large parts of England, lasting until 6 PM on Saturday.
This indicates a heightened health threat to those who are vulnerable, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recommended that individuals look in on those who might be at greater risk.
Certain individuals might qualify for cold weather payments, which are additional funds from the government to assist with heating costs when temperatures drop significantly.
In the meantime, the bitter cold is anticipated to persist throughout the UK on Friday, but temperatures are projected to increase with the arrival of Storm Bert coming in from the Atlantic.
On Friday morning, temperatures in Scotland fell to -6°C (21.2°F). Throughout the rest of the UK, temperatures are anticipated to stay below 6°C for the entire day.
This Friday night is forecasted to be the chilliest of the season so far, with temperatures in northeast Scotland dropping to approximately -12°C.
By Saturday, Wales and central to southern England may experience temperatures reaching 12-15°C.
The northern region will continue to experience cooler temperatures, around 2-7°C, until the warmer weather makes its way to every area by Sunday.
On Friday, there is still a chance of ice as certain areas in England and Wales are expected to experience rain, sleet, and possibly some light snow. Northern and western Scotland are predicted to receive heavier snowfall before Bert makes its arrival.
The chilly weather has begun to create havoc.
On Thursday, over 100 schools in the Scottish Highlands and 30 in northern Wales were shut down. Additionally, close to 200 schools in Devon and Cornwall either closed entirely or operated with limited services because of the snowfall.
