At least five people have reportedly died as Storm Bert caused “devastating” flooding over the weekend in the UK, leaving hundreds of homes underwater and turning roads into rivers.
A body was found in the search for a 75-year-old man missing in the River Conwy, as the heavy rainfall and thawed snow brought by Storm Bert put more than 400 areas in the UK at risk of flooding.
The second named storm of the season brought nearly a month’s worth of rainfall in less than 48 hours, with winds of up to 82mph recorded, causing chaos for those travelling by road and rail.
More than 200 flood alerts remain in place for England and Wales and travel issues are set to continue into the new week.
Hundreds of properties have been submerged in Wales as rising waters were reported in towns across the country, including Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Aberdare, after close to 150mm of rain fell in some areas.
Welsh first minister Eluned Morgan said the flood has been “absolutely devastating”, adding that “this is the second time that many of those have suffered as a result of the storm”.
Key points
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Six weather alerts in force as Storm Bert brings ‘danger to life’
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Nearly a month’s worth of rain falls within 48 hours in Wales
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Homes and cars submerged by floodwaters
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Man in 60s killed after tree falls on car in Hampshire
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‘Thick and fast’ snow brings ‘atrocious’ travel conditions and blizzards
Five dead in Storm Bert flooding
04:25 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
At least five people have reportedly died as Storm Bert caused “devastating” flooding over the weekend in the UK, leaving hundreds of homes underwater and turning roads into rivers.
A body was found in the search for a 75-year-old man missing in the River Conwy, as the heavy rainfall and thawed snow brought by Storm Bert put more than 400 areas in the UK at risk of flooding.
A man in his 80s died after his car entered the water near Colne over the weekend, the police said. The man was recovered from the water on Cockhill Lane and rushed to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Watch: Storm Bert sweeps across UK causing severe flooding in South Wales
04:00 , Tara Cobham
In pics: Storm Bert hits the UK
03:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Flood alerts in place for England and Wales
03:09 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
More than 200 flood alerts remain in place for England and Wales and travel issues are set to continue into the new week.
The last of the Met Office’s rain warnings ended at 11.59pm yesterday but strong winds persist and rain from high ground will reach rivers, which could disrupt clean-up efforts.
The Met Office forecast that rain in the south-east of England will clear today but blustery showers could stick around for the north-west.
Simon Brown, services director at the Met Office, told PA: “Our thoughts are with those who are currently affected with the impacts caused by Storm Bert in South Wales, as well as the rest of the country.”
“Storm Bert was well forecast, 48 hours in advance, with a number of warnings in place ahead of the system reaching the UK.”
Welsh first minister says floods have been ‘absolutely devastating’
03:06 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Welsh first minister Eluned Morgan said the flood has been “absolutely devastating” as Storm Bert is forecast to continue causing disruption.
“I think this is the second time that many of those have suffered as a result of the storm,” she said.
“There’s been huge investments since the last storm hit, so we’ve managed to protect lots more properties than last time.
“But obviously this is absolutely devastating just before Christmas for those people who have been impacted.”
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Storm Bert batters UK
03:00 , Tara Cobham
The Met Office has already confirmed the storm names to be used across 2024 and 2025 – as the UK is hit by Storm Bert.
The new storms list – first launched in 2015 – for each year generally runs from early September until late August the following year, coinciding with the beginning of autumn.
James, Lewis and Mavis are all included in the new list in honour of figures from the Met Office’s 170-year history.
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Storm Bert hits UK
Backlog of 120 emergency calls as South Wales hit by flooding
02:00 , Tara Cobham
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service faced a backlog of 120 emergency calls at the peak of the major incident that was declared as a result of the flooding.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer Fin Monahan told a press conference in Pontypridd that the major incident was declared earlier on Sunday based on the number of calls they were getting and the number of assets they were distributing out on the ground.
He said at the peak there was “120 calls stacked up”, adding: “As soon as we declared the major incident, we were in a position that we were then able to offload those calls onto other neighbouring fire and rescue services who then helped us deal with the call flow.
“We had about 75 per cent of our available assets out on the ground and we’ve had people out on the ground there doing incredible work.”
He said it had been a “very busy morning”, but the rainfall was forecast to subside on Sunday afternoon.
Where has the most rain fallen?
01:00 , Tara Cobham
Drivers warned just 30cm of floodwater is enough to float your car
00:00 , Tara Cobham
The Environment Agency has warned that “just 30cm of water is enough to float your car”, as it urged motorists not to drive through floodwaters.
More than 400 areas are at risk of flooding in Scotland, England and Wales.
Met Office warns rivers will continue to rise even after rain has passed
Sunday 24 November 2024 23:00 , Tara Cobham
While the rain is set to subside throughout the evening, the Met Office has warned that river levels will continue to rise even after the rain has passed.
Met Office warnings ‘could be amended at short notice’
Sunday 24 November 2024 22:27 , Andy Gregory
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page has warned that the forecaster could make rapid changes to weather alerts as Storm Bert continues to batter the UK.
“Impacts from Storm Bert will continue to cause disruption as we go through today, and multiple warnings are in place for wind and rain,” he said.
“While the risk of any snowfall has now diminished, rainfall will affect much of the UK today, in particular some southwestern parts of England and South Wales, but the heaviest rain will ease from these areas through the day.
“The strong southerly winds continue today and warnings are in place for central, southern and eastern England, Northern Ireland and western Scotland where gusts could peak at 60 mph and could even reach more than 70 mph along some exposed coasts.
“Warnings could still be amended, possibly at short notice, so it is important people keep up to date with the very latest forecast.”
Bridge damaged during Storm Dennis now completely washed away
Sunday 24 November 2024 22:00 , Tara Cobham
An entire bridge under construction after being damaged four years ago during Storm Dennis was washed away during widespread floods in Wales on Saturday night.
The Abercynon Feeder Pipe Footbridge over the River Taff in South Wales, which was being rebuilt after being substantially damaged during Storm Dennis in 2020, was completely washed away, councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Borough Council, said.
“It was completely washed away last night, so the scaffolding, the piers … everything has completely gone,” Mr Morgan told a press conference on Sunday afternoon.
London attractions and parks closed in strong winds
Sunday 24 November 2024 21:30 , Tara Cobham
As windy conditions persist, some attractions have been closed.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is closed on Sunday and all of London’s Royal Parks, including Greenwich Park and Primrose Hill, are shut.
GoFundMe page set up for flood victims in south Wales
Sunday 24 November 2024 20:55 , Andy Gregory
A local MP has set up a GoFundMe page to help people affected by the flooding in south Wales, where hundreds of properties have been submerged.
Pictured: Firefighters earlier pumping water from Pontypridd street
Sunday 24 November 2024 20:30 , Tara Cobham
‘Danger to life’ flood warnings issued near Monmouth
Sunday 24 November 2024 19:55 , Andy Gregory
Natural Resource Wales has issued two severe “danger to life” flood warnings along the River Monnow, near Monmouth.
The agency has issued a further 51 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – and 45 alerts, where flooding is possible.
Man dies after car entered water in Lancashire on Saturday
Sunday 24 November 2024 19:43 , Tara Cobham
A man in his 80s has died after his car entered water near Colne on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, Lancashire Police said the man was recovered from the water on Cockhill Lane, Foulridge, shortly after 4.15pm but was later pronounced dead at hospital.
A woman in her 80s was also taken to hospital and her condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
It is unclear whether the death was related to Storm Bert, which has caused flooding across parts of the UK this weekend.
Welsh First Minister says ‘difficult weekend’ has been ‘devastating’ for those hit by flooding
Sunday 24 November 2024 19:40 , Tara Cobham
The Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan said it has been “a really difficult weekend” and it is “absolutely devastating” for those affected by flooding after Storm Bert hit.
Speaking to broadcasters, Baroness Morgan said: “It’s been a really difficult weekend, and I’d like to thank the emergency services for all the support they’re giving to the people affected.
“I think this is the second time that many of those have suffered as a result of the storm. There’s been huge investments since the last storm hit, so we’ve managed to protect lots more properties than last time. But obviously this is absolutely devastating, just before Christmas for those people who have been impacted.”
Asked if there will be emergency funding available to help people, she said discussions have already started, adding “and of course, we will do everything we need to do to put measures in place to support people who’ve undergone this really, really difficult situation”.
She added that they have put “hundreds of millions of pounds” into flood defences over the past few years, which is helping to protect about 250,000 homes, but “clearly, climate change is going to impact on us, and there will come a point when it will be too difficult for us to protect every home in the country but clearly, we want to put the support in place if we’re able to do that for the people impacted”.
Resident of flood-hit Pontypridd fears home could flood overnight
Sunday 24 November 2024 19:30 , Tara Cobham
A resident of a town in South Wales that has been affected by the flooding fears her home could flood overnight.
Claire Instrell, whose home in Pontypridd was flooded four years ago but has avoided water this time, said: “At eight o’clock this morning, I got knocked up out of bed.
“The neighbours were going around locking everyone’s gates last night.
“The council, Natural Resources Wales, haven’t done anything, nothing at all.”
She said she did not want to sleep in her home on Sunday evening because she worried water could come in during the night.
PM says he has spoken to Welsh first minister and is receiving updates as Storm Bert develops
Sunday 24 November 2024 19:24 , Tara Cobham
The prime minister has said he has spoken to the Welsh first minister Eluned Morgan about the flooding in Wales and added that he is receiving updates on Storm Bert as it develops.
Sir Keir Starmer posted on X saying: “I’ve spoken with @PrifWeinidog about the severe weather and flooding in Wales.
“Thank you to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to protect communities — my thoughts are with those impacted.
“I’m receiving updates on Storm Bert as it develops across the UK.”
I’ve spoken with @PrifWeinidog about the severe weather and flooding in Wales.
Thank you to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to protect communities — my thoughts are with those impacted.
I’m receiving updates on Storm Bert as it develops across the UK.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 24, 2024
River Taff rises to record levels
Sunday 24 November 2024 19:00 , Tara Cobham
Record river levels were recorded on the River Taff in Wales on Saturday Night.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Borough Council leader Andrew Morgan said the river was 23mm higher than it was during Storm Dennis in 2020 at Aberdare monitoring station, which was “considerably higher than previous records” at the time.
Local MP Sir Chris Bryant has since said the river was 53cm higher in Rhondda than it was during Storm Dennis in February 2020.
Water levels on street in flood-hit Pontypridd drop considerably
Sunday 24 November 2024 18:30 , Tara Cobham
The water levels on Sion Street, Pontypridd, where several homes were flooded during Storm Bert, have dropped considerably.
The fire service has been working to pump water off street and back into the river.
One car, which was partly underwater, is no longer submerged.
‘Trauma and upset’ caused by ‘exceptionally difficult’ weekend due to Storm Bert, says Welsh government
Sunday 24 November 2024 18:22 , Tara Cobham
A Welsh government spokesperson said the weekend has been “exceptionally difficult and disruptive” due to Storm Bert and the “trauma and upset this causes should never be underestimated”.
The spokesperson added: “Given the scale of the impact, it will be vital that people continue to take extra care over the coming days and follow official advice. As the focus moves to recovery, it is important that those affected receive ongoing support and we will play our part alongside our partners in delivering that.
“Despite the significant impacts, it appears that flood defences played a role in protecting many homes and businesses, and we will continue our investment programme to make communities even more resilient to severe weather events in future.”
Wales’s deputy first minister visits flood-hit Pontypridd and No 10 also in touch
Sunday 24 November 2024 18:00 , Tara Cobham
Wales’s deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies visited Pontypridd today, and the prime minister’s office has been in touch, the leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Borough Council said.
Councillor Andrew Morgan told a press conference this afternoon: “So first of all, the deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies was here this morning, I met with him to have conversations around the scale of the impact and what’s going on.”
He added that there has already been conversations with the Welsh Government, the First Minister has been in touch on Sunday afternoon, and he has had contact from the prime minister’s office “seeking again for an update and asking what assistance we may need”.
Emergency services at scene of scaffolding collapse in London
Sunday 24 November 2024 17:28 , Tara Cobham
South Wales council leader warns ‘clearly live are at risk’ due to flooding
Sunday 24 November 2024 17:09 , Tara Cobham
A South Wales council leader has warned “clearly live are at risk” due to the flooding.
Asked at a press conference if he believes lives are at risk, Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Borough Council, said: “Well, absolutely, you know, when you got a river flooding in people’s houses, and we’re asking the fire service to rescue people by boat, then clearly lives are at risk.”
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer Fin Monahan said that they have had messages from all over the UK with offers of assistance and they have taken some of the offers up.
Person rescued from car stranded by floodwaters in Walsall
Sunday 24 November 2024 16:52 , Andy Gregory
West Midlands Fire Service has said its crews rescued a person trapped in a car stranded in floodwater in Walsall on Sunday morning.
Birmingham-Shrewsbury rail line reopens after flooding
Sunday 24 November 2024 16:34 , Andy Gregory
Severe flooding had earlier blocked railway lines between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury on Sunday morning – but all lines have now reopened.
Impact of flooding ‘worse than Storm Dennis’, Welsh council says
Sunday 24 November 2024 16:22 , Andy Gregory
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, South Wales Fire and Rescue, Natural Resources Wales and South Wales Police have declared a major incident for the borough.
The council said “significant” flooding has taken place with the “impact looking to be more significant than the severe impact experienced during Storm Dennis” in 2020.
Rest centres have been set up for residents impacted at Pontypridd Library, Ystrad Sports Centre, Sobell Leisure Centre and Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre.
Hundreds of properties flooded in south Wales
Sunday 24 November 2024 16:06 , Andy Gregory
Hundreds of properties have been flooded in south Wales.
At a press conference in the Rhondda Valley, council leader Andrew Morgan said two to three hundred properties have been affected by flooding.
He said the buildings are a mixture of residential and commercial properties.
Mr Morgan told the press conference the weather was worse than forecast.
“I am amazed that it was only a yellow weather warning issued,” he said. “We absolutely thought on Saturday … we were preparing for the possibility of an amber warning.
“It didn’t come but we took the decision ourselves to step up our resources and have depots open and crews in.”
Footage shows severe flooding hitting South Wales
Sunday 24 November 2024 16:03 , Andy Gregory
‘We’re just trying to save what we can,’ says Pontypridd resident hit by flooding
Sunday 24 November 2024 15:43 , Andy Gregory
Rania Koutsikou, 32, a part-time lecturer and PhD student at the University of South Wales impacted by the flooding in Pontypridd, said: “We woke up around seven o’clock only because our neighbour was knocking on our door saying that we have to move our car.
“Obviously it was already pretty bad even then. We moved our car, moved some of our stuff and our dog upstairs, and we went to our neighbours who offered us help.
“We’re just trying to save what we can. Nobody [official] took any action yesterday, like brought us sandbags or anything. People are very keen to help, as you can see, everyone is around, offering coffee, offering cookies, fire service are here now.
“I think everyone is safe, that’s the most important thing. But obviously it’s hard.”
Police supporting family after body found in search for 75-year-old missing in River Conwy
Sunday 24 November 2024 15:24 , Andy Gregory
North Wales Police said a body had been found in the search for 75-year-old Brian Perry, who went missing in the River Conwy near the market town of Llanwrst on Saturday.
The force had put an appeal out to find Mr Perry after he was last seen at around 4.30pm wearing a red Berghaus waterproof jacket and accompanied by his wife and dog. He had been walking near Gower Road, which has been affected by severe flooding due to Storm Bert.
There has been no formal identification but his family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Chief Inspector Simon Kneale, of North Wales Police, said: “I would like to thank the efforts of all agencies involved in the searches in very difficult conditions and for the local community who supported the teams in the area.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time and they have asked that their privacy is respected.”
Rhondda River half a metre higher than during Storm Dennis, MP says
Sunday 24 November 2024 15:05 , Andy Gregory
Sir Chris Bryant, MP for Rhondda and Ogmore, said there are about 10 different areas in his constituency affected by flooding and a fundraising page has been set up to help those in need.
The MP said the river was 53cm higher in Rhondda than it was during Storm Dennis in February 2020. He said: “There’s about 10 different areas in the constituency where there’s been flooding, some have flooded previously and others are completely new.”
The Rheola pub has been flooded for about the third time in five years and this time it was “like a river running through the middle of it”, he said, while residents on Brook Street in Porth had to be evacuated by firefighters.
Sir Chris said: “Quite a few of the local people who I’ve spoken to today don’t have any insurance as if you’re hard up it’s the last bill you pay.”
He said a fundraising page has been launched to help those in need across the area.
Gusts could exceed 70mph, Met Office says
Sunday 24 November 2024 14:46 , Andy Gregory
Gusts in exposed coasts could exceed 70mph today, the Met Office has said.
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: “The strong southerly winds continue today and warnings are in place for central, southern and eastern England, Northern Ireland and western Scotland where gusts could peak at 60 mph and could even reach more than 70 mph along some exposed coasts.
Rainfall to ease through the day, Met Office says
Sunday 24 November 2024 14:27 , Andy Gregory
The rainfall affecting much of the UK today will ease through the day, the Met Office has said.
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: “Impacts from Storm Bert will continue to cause disruption as we go through today, and multiple warnings are in place for wind and rain.”
“While the risk of any snowfall has now diminished, rainfall will affect much of the UK today, in particular some southwestern parts of England and South Wales, but the heaviest rain will ease from these areas through the day.
Body found in search for 75-year-old man missing in river, police say
Sunday 24 November 2024 14:25 , Andy Gregory
A body has been found in the search for 75-year-old Brian Perry after he went missing in the River Conwy on Saturday, North Wales Police said.
Firefighters pump water out of Pontypridd street
Sunday 24 November 2024 14:08 , Andy Gregory
Firefighters have begun to pump water out of Sion Street in Pontypridd where several homes have been flooded.
This is the second time in four years the street – which runs alongside the River Taff – has experienced major flooding.
Members of the public have been arriving to pass out food and drinks to the emergency workers and people bailing water from their homes.
Storm Bert continues to cause havoc on railways
Sunday 24 November 2024 13:51 , Andy Gregory
Busy rail routes have also been affected by the blustery weather.
Multiple fallen trees have damaged overhead electrical wires on the railway line between Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport, causing major disruption until further notice, Greater Anglia said.
Great Western Railway services between Plymouth and Penzance, Reading and Basingstoke and Exeter and Barnstaple have had lines blocked by fallen trees leading to cancellations and delays.
Southwestern Railway services into London Waterloo have been disrupted by a tree blocking the railway between Fleet and Farnborough in Hampshire.
With nearly 400 areas at risk of flooding, severe flooding blocked railway lines between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury on Sunday morning, but all lines have now reopened. Trains on the route could still be disrupted until well into the afternoon, National Rail said.
Heathrow and Gatwick: flight cancellation chaos intensifies
Sunday 24 November 2024 13:34 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
Many more flights have been cancelled at Heathrow as Storm Bert disrupts flight schedules.
British Airways has now grounded well over 100 short-haul flights to and from the UK’s busiest airport. Links to Athens and Gibraltar are among the most recent cancellations.
Other airlines have also grounded flights, including SAS to and from Stockholm, TAP Portugal serving Lisbon and two round-trips from Amsterdam on KLM.
Several diversions have added to the disruptions. Emirates’ flagship service, EK1, diverted to Birmingham after attempting to land at Heathrow. An Austrian Airlines flight from Vienna went to Brussels. And two Heathrow-bound flights – Egyptair from Cairo and Saudia from Jeddah – diverted to Gatwick.
The Sussex airport has itself seen four diversions, too. Ryanair from Dublin and easyJet from Nantes both went to Birmingham instead. Wizz Air from Rome landed at Stansted. The longest diversion was on Vueling: a flight from Barcelona to Gatwick flew to Manchester. It later returned to its intended destination.
Storm Bert brings nearly a month’s worth of rainfall in less than 48 hours
Sunday 24 November 2024 13:33 , Andy Gregory
Storm Bert has brought more than 80 per cent of November’s average monthly rainfall in less than 48 hours as it continues to cause disruption around the country.
Since the storm began in the early hours of Saturday, 149mm of rain has fallen in Tyn-Y-Waun in Mid Glamorgan, Wales. On average, the area sees 180mm of rain in the whole of November, Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said.
In England, 135.7mm of rain has been recorded from the beginning of the storm until 11am on Sunday in White Barrow in Devon which is around half of the total rainfall typical in November.
How long will Storm Bert last?
Sunday 24 November 2024 13:14 , Andy Gregory
According to the Met Office, Storm Bert will finally clear form the far northeast early on Tuesday.
While next week will bring quieter weather for many, there is a risk of some further rain and strong winds across the south of the UK on Tuesday night and Wednesday, the forecaster said.
Looking further ahead, there are indications that the UK could see a brief return to colder conditions although for many, but it will be drier than of late, the Met Office said.
However, it is uncertain how long the more settled conditions will last, with rain probably returning to westernmost areas at least by the end of the week.
Storm Bert brings more than 130mm of rainfall in just 24 hours
Sunday 24 November 2024 12:57 , Andy Gregory
More than 130mm of rain has already fallen in some areas over the past 24 hours, according to the Met Office.
Those large accumulations of rainfall, plus rapidly thawed snowfall from yesterday, has created a flood risk in hundreds of parts of the UK.
Watch: Fallen tree blocks off road in Kent
Sunday 24 November 2024 12:38 , Andy Gregory
Wind warnings in place in several counties across island of Ireland
Sunday 24 November 2024 12:19 , Andy Gregory
Wind warnings are in place for several counties on the island of Ireland on Sunday as Storm Bert continues to cause challenging conditions. The storm, which landed overnight on Friday, flooded villages and roads, and disrupted travel.
In Co Donegal, Bridge Street in Killybegs was dramatically flooded, with homes and charities impacted, while the River Feale in west Limerick burst its banks. After alerts warning of rain, wind and snow lifted on Saturday, clean-up operations began and power supplies were restored to thousands of homes and businesses.
On Sunday, forecasters issued low-level wind warnings for 13 counties across the island.
Storm Bert: Wind warnings in place in several counties across island of Ireland
Met Office graphic shows Storm Bert outlook on Sunday afternoon
Sunday 24 November 2024 12:08 , Andy Gregory
A new Met Office graphic shows the outlook for Sunday afternoon, as a band of heavy rain moves in from the southwest, affecting much of England and Wales, while western Scotland continues to be buffeted by powerful winds.
A windy afternoon to come for many as #StormBert continues to move across the UK ⚠️
Outbreaks of heavy rain for parts of England and Wales 🌧️
Brighter elsewhere, with sunshine and blustery showers 🌦️ pic.twitter.com/VMoFRfP0l6
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 24, 2024
Homes and cars submerged in Wales
Sunday 24 November 2024 11:29 , Andy Gregory
Homes and cars are underwater as Storm Bert continues to take its destructive toll on Wales.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued more than 100 flood warnings and alerts across the country, with bridges shut and roads closed.
Rising waters have been reported in towns across the country, including Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Aberdare, with landslides in north Wales.
Videos and pictures being shared on social media show parts of Pontypridd underwater, with cars submerged and homeowners bailing out their properties next to the River Taff.
The Pontypridd Parkrun Facebook page said: “Our park has been flooded again whilst we do not know the full extent of any damage yet, initial pictures do not look good.”
Severe flooding in Pontypridd as council ‘declares major incident’
Sunday 24 November 2024 11:15 , Andy Gregory
Rhondda Cynon Taf council has declared a major incident due to “significant flooding” across the county, the BBC reports.
Pictures are emerging on social media showing parts of Pontypridd submerged by floodwaters. The council said it had set up emergency rest centres at Pontypridd library and Ystrad sports centre.
Nearly 400 areas now at risk of flooding
Sunday 24 November 2024 10:45 , Andy Gregory
The number of areas at risk of flooding has now increased to nearly 400.
In England, the Environment Agency has issued 76 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – and a further 193 flood alerts, which warn that it is possible.
In Wales, there are 51 flood warnings in force – mostly in the southeast – and a further 60 alerts.
Scotland is subject to five warnings – one in Orkney, three in Tayside, and another at Strath Oykel – along with six alerts.
One hundred-plus flight cancellations at London Heathrow airport
Sunday 24 November 2024 10:08 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
More than 100 short-haul flights to and from London Heathrow airport have been cancelled on Sunday.
The vast majority – at least 94 – are on British Airways. The airline has grounded three round trips to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh and Milan, as well as multiple European flights to and from Rome, Copenhagen, Madrid, Brussels and Paris. Domestic departures to Aberdeen, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle are also affected.
The Independent is seeking the reason for the cancellations. With high winds expected, it is usual for the “flow rate” of landing aircraft to be reduced, and for airlines at Heathrow to be asked to reduce the number of flights.
In addition to the BA cancellations, Aer Lingus has grounded one flight each serving Cork, Dublin and Shannon. Lufthansa has cancelled one flight to Munich and two to Frankfurt.
Finnair, Swiss and Turkish Airlines have also grounded one flight each to their hubs
‘Exceptionally mild’ morning for some, with temperatures higher than 17C
Sunday 24 November 2024 10:07 , Andy Gregory
It has been an exceptionally mild start in places this morning, with temperatures 6C to 10C above the daytime November maximum, according to the Met Office.
Violent storm force 11 winds forecast in British waters
Sunday 24 November 2024 09:41 , Andy Gregory
Violent storm force 11 winds – the most powerful short of hurricane-force on the Beaufort scale – are set to hit British waters on Sunday, according to the BBC’s shipping forecast.
The forecast, which denotes winds of between 64 and 72mph, has been issued in four areas – Rockall, around 200 miles west of the Hebrides, Bailey, which lies further north, the Faroes, and southeast Iceland.
Government in close contact with energy firms as they seek to restore outages, minister says
Sunday 24 November 2024 09:22 , Andy Gregory
Energy secretary Ed Miliband has said his department is in close contact with energy firms as they seek to restore power to those affected by outages caused by Storm Bert.
Mr Miliband said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by Storm Bert.
“For those who have lost power, my department will be keeping in close touch with the energy companies as they seek to ensure it is restored as swiftly as possible and help those affected.”
Pictured: Firefighters work to pump water away from flooded streets on outskirts of Belfast
Sunday 24 November 2024 09:10 , Andy Gregory
Hundreds of trains cancelled due to Storm Bert
Sunday 24 November 2024 08:57 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
Hundreds of trains have been cancelled because of the effects of Storm Bert.
South Western Railway
The main problem on the network from London Waterloo to Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and Devon is fallen trees. There are blockages between Cobham and Oxshott; between Basingstoke and Farnborough; between Reading and Basingstoke; and between Exeter Central and Honiton.
Northern Rail Many Northern Rail passengers are experiencing difficult journeys. Trains cannot run between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness due to flooding in the Ulverston area. “Due to the adverse weather conditions, Northern are currently struggling for road transport availability,” National Rail says.
The Settle-Carlisle line across the Pennines is closed due to flooding in the Hellifield area. The Leeds-Harrogate-York line is also blocked east of Horforth.
Transport for Wales
Due to the impact of Storm Bert, the Heart of Wales line between Shrewsbury and Swansea as well as the link from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog are both closed. Bus replacements are in place. Flooding on the Valley lines north of Cardiff is also causing cancellations.
Ten people rescued from house hit by landslide in north Wales
Sunday 24 November 2024 08:33 , Andy Gregory
Five adults and five children had to be rescued from a house in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen in north Wales, following a landslide, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.
Five crews attended the incident after the fire and rescue service was called just prior to 2pm on Saturday. The property has sustained substantial damage, the service said.
Travel disruption continues on Sunday as ferries cancelled and roads closed
Sunday 24 November 2024 08:18 , Andy Gregory
Travel disruption has continued into Sunday as ferry operator DFDS cancelled services on some routes until Monday, including its Newhaven to Dieppe sailings.
It comes after as much as 64.4mm of rain fell in Capel Curig, north Wales, in 12 hours on Saturday and wind gusts of up to 82mph were recorded in the Welsh village.
In Wales, the A40 was closed due to a fallen tree, impacting road users from Sennybridge to Brecon, according to Dyfed-Powys Police. In southeast Wales, Gwent Police reported flooding on Sunday morning on the A465, travelling from Merthyr Tydfil towards Tredegar.
Rail operators had cancelled services on some routes all day on Saturday and urged passengers to check their routes before making journeys.
Avanti West Coast cancelled its service between Edinburgh and Carlisle all day on Saturday with the next direct service from Carlisle not scheduled to run until Sunday afternoon. Train journeys to and from Manchester Piccadilly were disrupted on Saturday evening as flooding between Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent blocked some lines.
‘Danger to life’ as six Met Office weather warnings in force on Sunday for wind and rain
Sunday 24 November 2024 07:52 , Andy Gregory
There are currently six Met Office weather warnings in force across the UK.
The entirety of Northern Ireland is subject to a warning over strong winds, with forecasters predicting that delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely, that coastal communities will be impacted by spray and large waves, and that loss of power and other services is possible.
The south coast of England and west coast of Wales are also both covered by an alert for wind, which also warns of “a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties”, and “a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris”.
Further warnings for rain in southwest England and south Wales caution that some communities may be cut off by flooded roads, with homes and businesses flooded, with fast flowing or deep floodwater possible, causing a danger to life.
A warning for very strong winds has also been issued on the west coast of Scotland, which forecasters say are likely to bring disruption to transport, and dangerous coastal and marine conditions.
More than 300 areas at risk of flooding
Sunday 24 November 2024 07:42 , Andy Gregory
More than 300 areas are at risk of flooding as Storm Bert lashes Britain.
As of Sunday morning, the Environment Agency has issued 56 flood warnings in England – meaning flooding is expected – and a further 168 flood alerts, which warn that it is possible.
In Wales, there are 34 flood warnings in force – mostly in the southeast – and 57 alerts, while Scotland is subject to four warnings – one in Orkney, two in Tayside, and another at Strath Oykel – along with six alerts.
Police investigate whether death of man killed when tree fell on car was linked to weather
Sunday 24 November 2024 07:00 , Tara Cobham
Police are investigating whether the death of a man who was killed when a tree fell on his car was linked to the weather.
Hampshire Police said the man in his 60s died on the A34 near Winchester on Saturday morning, as Storm Bert battered the UK and Ireland.
The force was called at 7.47am to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall and found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 dead at the scene.
It is unclear if the incident was related to Storm Bert but the cause is under investigation.
A silver Skoda Kodiaq was also damaged but no other injuries were reported.
Hampshire Police said the man’s family has been informed.
Lengthy lane closures were put in place and the force is appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly anyone with relevant dashcam footage.
Championship football match in Lancashire postponed due to torrential rain
Sunday 24 November 2024 06:00 , Tara Cobham
A Championship football match in Lancashire has been postponed due to torrential rain.
Blackburn Rovers were set to face Portsmouth at Ewood Park at 3pm on Saturday but the match will now be played at a later date.
In a post on X, Blackburn Rovers said: “Due to an unplayable pitch caused by torrential rain, today’s match against Portsmouth at Ewood Park has been postponed by the match official.
“We will announce details of the rearranged fixture in due course.”
Watch: Snow falls across England and Scotland during Storm Bert
Sunday 24 November 2024 05:00 , Tara Cobham
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed
Sunday 24 November 2024 04:00 , Tara Cobham
The Met Office has already confirmed the storm names to be used across 2024 and 2025.
The new storms list – first launched in 2015 – for each year generally runs from early September until late August the following year, coinciding with the beginning of autumn.
James, Lewis and Mavis are all included in the new list in honour of figures from the Met Office’s 170-year history.
Find out more here:
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Storm Bert hits UK
Wales set to face up to 75mm of rain widely over weekend
Sunday 24 November 2024 03:00 , Tara Cobham
Wales is expected to face up to 75mm of rain widely over the weekend, with 150mm possible in some areas.
The strongest gust recorded so far by the Met Office is 82mph at Capel Curig in Conwy, north Wales, with winds of 70mph expected around coastal areas.
Storm Bert mapped: When and where UK will be hit by snow and winds
Sunday 24 November 2024 02:00 , Tara Cobham
The Met Office has warned Brits to prepare for a weekend of rain, wind and snow as Storm Bert sweeps the country.
Weather warnings are in place every day until Sunday – including more severe amber alerts – as the country braces for more wintry weather after temperatures plummeted earlier in the week.
The majority of the UK will be facing at least one weather warning in the days to come, with Scotland and northern England expected to be the worst affected.
My colleagues Athena Stavrou and Andy Gregory report:
Storm Bert map: When and where UK will be hit by snow and wind
In pictures: Storm Bert blankets parts of UK in snow
Sunday 24 November 2024 01:00 , Tara Cobham
Watch: Newcastle airport runway ‘decimated’ by snow as Storm Bert hits
Sunday 24 November 2024 00:00 , Tara Cobham
How to stay safe during Storm Bert
Saturday 23 November 2024 23:00 , Tara Cobham
The Met Office has warned Brits to prepare for a weekend of rain, wind and snow as Storm Bert sweeps the country.
It has sparked warnings of “atrocious” travel conditions and power cuts as the “multi-hazard” weather event brings heavy snow and torrential rain to swathes of Britain.
An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in force in between 7am and 5pm on Saturday, for an area north of Scotland’s central belt, while other areas in the UK have been issued with yellow weather warnings for wind, snow and rain.
So, what can we do to prepare and protect ourselves, and our homes, from these turbulent conditions? Find out here:
How to stay safe during Storm Bert
Storm Bert causes travel chaos across UK and Ireland
Saturday 23 November 2024 22:00 , Tara Cobham
Storm Bert battered the UK and Ireland with snow, rain and strong winds on Saturday, closing several railway lines, bridges and roads.
Snow covered roads and stranded cars in parts of the northern UK, while the runway at the Newcastle airport in northeast England was blanketed in white, briefly disrupting flights.
In Scotland, some train services were suspended due to the weather, ScotRail said on X. The Severn Bridge, which connects Wales to England, was shut due to strong winds, the National Highways website showed.
In Ireland, the heavy rain led to flooding in parts of the west coast, making some roads impassable. The Irish Meteorological Service placed a “status red” rain warning – its highest level – for the counties of Cork and Galway from Friday night. Floodwater could be seen rising towards the top of parked cars in the Donegal town of Killybegs.
Clean-up begins in Ireland after Storm Bert as thousands still left without power
Saturday 23 November 2024 21:00 , Tara Cobham
Clean-up operations are under way after Storm Bert swept across the island of Ireland, causing flooding and thousands of power outages.
Power cuts affected 60,000 customers at the height of the outage; ESB teams are still working to restore supplies to the thousands still left without electricity.
Status red rain warnings were in place for Cork and Galway until 10am on Saturday, with an orange alert for rain in place for counties Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.
Read more here:
Clean-up begins after Storm Bert as thousands still left without power
How to stay safe during Storm Bert
Saturday 23 November 2024 20:01 , Andy Gregory
As the Met Office issues a flurry of weather warnings over the weekend, what can we do to prepare and protect ourselves, and our homes, from these turbulent conditions?
Camilla Foster reports:
How to stay safe during Storm Bert
Pictured: Snow blankets Scottish city of Stirling
Saturday 23 November 2024 19:38 , Andy Gregory
Where are flood warnings in force in Wales?
Saturday 23 November 2024 19:15 , Andy Gregory
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued a series of flood warnings and alerts across the country, as bridges are shut and roads closed. Over the weekend, Wales is expected to face up to 75mm of rain widely, with 150 mm possible in some areas.
NRW has issued flood warnings – where flooding is expected, and immediate action is required – on five stretches of river. It has also issued alerts – where flooding is possible – for more than 30 areas across Wales.
Warnings are in place around:
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River Loughor at Ammanford and Llandybie impacting low-lying property in Ammanford, Llandybie and Aberlash, including Carmarthenshire College
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River Severn, affecting the village of Aberbechan
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River Severn, affecting parts of the village of Abermule
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River Cothi in low lying areas between Pontargothi and Pontynyswen, including the Cothi Bridge Hotel
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River Towy, affecting isolated properties, as well as farms and roads, between Llandeilo and Abbergwili
Gusts of 82mph recorded in north Wales
Saturday 23 November 2024 18:52 , Andy Gregory
The strongest gust recorded by the Met Office on Saturday afternoon was 82mph at Capel Curig in Conwy, north Wales, with winds of 70mph expected around coastal areas.
The Needles on the Isle of Wight saw gusts of 76mph, while winds reached 69mph at Devon’s Berry Head.
Holidaymakers at ‘decimated’ Newcastle Airport express surprise at intensity of snowfall
Saturday 23 November 2024 18:30 , PA
Holidaymakers at Newcastle International Airport said the runway was “decimated” by snow as Storm Bert batters the country with strong winds, heavy rain and snow and ice.
Frequent travellers Tim Harding, 53, and his wife, Chona, 58, were due to fly at 9.15am with Dutch airline KLM to Amsterdam from Newcastle before flying with Delta airlines to Orlando, Florida, to meet their family in the US for Thanksgiving.
Mr Harding said: “Going to the airport… it was sleeting all the way through then all of a sudden it started coming down.
“There were about four or five snow ploughs on the runway and they just couldn’t clear it. It was windy and it was literally coming down really quick, so hard. In the space of two hours, it went from nothing to decimated.
“The gritters were out continuously, the ploughs were out continuously, but it just wasn’t having an impact unfortunately. I was surprised how quickly it came down and how much came down in a two-hour period. I haven’t seen that for a long time.”
Met Office predicts heavy rain will develop overnight and into Sunday
Saturday 23 November 2024 18:07 , Andy Gregory
The Met Office forecasts heavy rain developing overnight and into Sunday for south-west and southern England, stretching from Oxford to Truro.
There is a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-150mm of rainfall, the national weather service said.
A yellow warning is in place from 6am on Saturday until 11.45pm on Sunday and up to 70mm of rain could fall during this time.
Homeowners facing flooding as Storm Bert batters Wales
Saturday 23 November 2024 16:49 , Tara Cobham
Homeowners are facing flooding as Storm Bert continues to batter Wales, bringing rain, winds and rising waters.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued a series of flood warnings and alerts across the country, as bridges are shut and roads closed.
Five adults and five children had to be rescued from a house in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen in north Wales, following a landslide.
George Thompson reports:
Homeowners facing flooding as Storm Bert batters Wales
Five children among 10 rescued from Wales home after landslide
Saturday 23 November 2024 16:45 , Tara Cobham
Five children are among the 10 people who have been rescued from a home in north Wales following a landslide.
The five adults and five children were rescued from the house in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen.
A North Wales Fire and Rescue Services spokesman said they are all being assessed by ambulance services away from the scene “somewhere warm”.
A further landslide has been reported in the area but it is understood no-one else was affected.
Watch: Newcastle airport runway ‘decimated’ by snow as Storm Bert hits
Saturday 23 November 2024 16:30 , Andy Gregory
More than 30,000 homes suffer power cuts
Saturday 23 November 2024 16:09 , Andy Gregory
Tens of thousands of homes have been without power on Saturday as Storm Bert batters the UK.
Some 4,000 homes have been affected in the Midlands, south-west England and South Wales, while a further 27,000 customers were affected in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.
Dozens more flood alerts issued
Saturday 23 November 2024 15:50 , Andy Gregory
As of 3pm on Saturday, there were 26 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – in force in England, along with 83 lesser flood alerts in areas where flooding is possible.
There were six flood alerts covering swathes of southern and eastern Scotland, and one warning in Orkney, while Wales was subject to 41 alerts and five warnings.
What are the latest Met Office weather warnings?
Saturday 23 November 2024 15:34 , Andy Gregory
As of 3pm on Saturday, there remained seven yellow weather alerts in place, stretching the length of the UK, but mostly in western areas.
The entire south coast and much of western Scotland were subject to warnings for strong winds, with a rain alert in force in Wales until 6am on Sunday. Further rain alerts were issued in northwestern England and central Scotland.
Edinburgh bus services halted due to safety concerns
Saturday 23 November 2024 15:02 , Andy Gregory
One of Scotland’s biggest bus firms has paused its services due to the impact of Storm Bert.
Lothian Buses, which operates the majority of routes in Edinburgh, as well as services in East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, said buses had been halted due to safety concerns.
In a post on X, the firm said: “Due to adverse weather across the network, buses are unable to continue due to safety concerns.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused, and thank you for your patience while our teams work to assess routes.”
Overhead power line warning issued
Saturday 23 November 2024 14:43 , Andy Gregory
UK Power Networks, the operator for the east and south-east of England, has warned people to stay away from overhead power lines amid the powerful winds brought by Storm Bert.