Storm Bert has struck the UK and Ireland with fierce conditions, leaving chaos and disruption across various regions. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, this winter tempest brought heavy snow, rain, and gusty winds, prompting weather forecasters to declare it a "multi-hazard" event. Tragically, the storm claimed one life when a tree fell on a vehicle near Winchester, southern England.
Authorities are also investigating another fatal traffic incident linked to the storm's conditions which occurred in West Yorkshire. Although reports suggest there was no icy road at the time, the storm's overall impact raised concerns for road safety.
Across Ireland, the storm wreaked havoc, particularly hitting the west coast, where counties like Cork and Galway faced significant flooding. Ireland's meteorological service even issued a "status red" rain warning, the highest level of alert, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Emergency services reported rescues, including five adults and five children saved from their home following landslides near North Wales.
Power outages hit tens of thousands on both sides of the Irish Sea; reports indicated over 60,000 homes lost electricity across Ireland, and nearly 27,000 homes were affected in the north of England. Conditions have forced the closure of several roads, railways, and even airports on both sides of the border.
The heavy snowfall particularly disrupted travel, marking Ireland and Scotland as the hardest hit areas. The UK Met Office warned of blizzard conditions covering Yorkshire and the northeast of England, stating there was a real likelihood of rural communities being cut off due to the snow.
Scotland recorded the most significant snowfall, contributing to various flood alerts, with authorities on high alert as ice fell from bridges and highways. The Queensferry Crossing, serving as a major route near Edinburgh, was closed because of falling ice.
Travelers faced delays and cancellations, with Newcastle Airport disrupted by heavy snow, which caused flight diversions to Belfast and Edinburgh. Train services between England and Scotland were also heavily impacted, as operators suspended numerous routes and warned passengers against non-essential travel.
Further complications arose when ferry services from Newhaven and Dover to France also faced cancellations due to strong winds, reflecting the storm's broad impact.
By Saturday evening, as the situation began to stabilize, reports noted the number of properties without power had decreased significantly across both countries. Nevertheless, emergency services remained stretched, responding to increasingly demanding situations arising from the storm's aftermath.
Residents across the affected areas remain on alert, with the local government urging the public to stay indoors wherever possible and heed all weather warnings. The damage incurred from Storm Bert serves as another reminder of the increasing intensity of weather events and their potentially devastating local impacts. Schools and businesses also shared concerns about long-term closures, as communities rallied to restore normalcy.
Further updates and safety advisories will continue to roll out as experts monitor the conditions. Meteorologists are reminding everyone to prepare for possible continued disruptions due to residual conditions following the storm's pass.
