London – Storm Bert wreaked havoc across Britain and Ireland on Saturday, bringing heavy snow, rain, and strong winds that led to fatalities, travel disruptions, and power outages. The storm claimed the life of one person in southern England, while road closures, train suspensions, and bridge shutdowns added to the widespread chaos.
Fatalities and Travel Disruptions
A man in his 60s was killed when a tree fell on his car on the A34 highway in southern England, local authorities confirmed. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead on arrival. The storm’s ferocity was felt across the country, with snow and ice affecting major roads in northern areas, leaving many drivers stranded.
In the northeast, Newcastle Airport's runway was briefly shut down due to snow accumulation, disrupting several flights. The storm also caused significant disruptions to train services in Scotland, with ScotRail confirming delays and cancellations in parts of the country due to adverse weather conditions.
Storm Causes Widespread Flooding in Ireland
In Ireland, the storm caused severe flooding, particularly along the west coast, where heavy rain inundated roads and left many impassable. The Irish Meteorological Service issued a "status red" rain warning for the counties of Cork and Galway, marking the highest level of weather alert. In Donegal, the town of Killybegs saw floodwaters rise toward parked cars, prompting evacuations in some areas.
High winds also led to widespread power outages, with ESB Networks reporting that up to 60,000 homes, farms, and businesses were left without electricity overnight, primarily in the west and northwest. Crews worked through the night to restore power, but some areas remained affected into Sunday.
Bridges and Railways Hit by Strong Winds
The Severn Bridge, which connects Wales and England, was closed due to the risk of high winds, while several railway lines were suspended due to the hazardous weather conditions. Authorities warned of further disruptions as the storm continued to batter parts of the UK, with the Met Office describing the event as a "multi-hazard" storm.
Jason Kelly, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said the storm’s impact would be felt through the weekend, with strong winds, snow, and rain continuing to disrupt daily life across much of Britain. The public was urged to take precautions and stay updated on weather alerts.
Ongoing Impact and Response
As Storm Bert continued its course, emergency services in both Britain and Ireland were on high alert, working to clear roads, restore power, and assist those affected by the severe weather. With more rain expected, the threat of further flooding remains high, particularly in vulnerable coastal and inland areas.
The storm has highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of transport and infrastructure during extreme weather events, with authorities urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors when possible.
