Storm Bert causes widespread disruption in Ireland and Britain

2024-11-24 2024-11-24T09:36:16Z

Arab Weather - Britain and Ireland witnessed widespread disturbances on Saturday as a result of the winter storm "Bert", which swept across northwestern Europe with stormy winds, heavy rain, snow and ice, causing the death of at least one person, and leaving a major impact on daily life and basic services.

Storm Bert's Victims and Its Direct Effects

Hampshire Police in southern England said a man died after a tree fell on his car while he was driving on a main road near Winchester early this morning. Separately, West Yorkshire Police said it was investigating a second death that may have been a storm-related road accident. Authorities said the road was not icy at the time of the crash, raising the possibility that the bad weather was to blame.

Widespread impacts on services and infrastructure

Storm Bert has left at least 60,000 homes without power in Ireland, with emergency services working to gradually restore power. In Britain, the National Grid operator said power had been restored to many homes and businesses, but more than 4,000 homes were still without power, particularly in southwest England.

Disruption in land and air transport

The storm has closed several major roads and suspended rail services on both sides of the Irish Sea. Airports have also been badly affected, with some flights at Newcastle Airport suspended due to heavy snowfall, and flights diverted to other cities such as Belfast and Edinburgh. Channel ports have also been severely disrupted by strong winds.

Snow in the Southside of Glasgow this morning, Saturday 23rd November 2024. Photographed for @heraldscotland @Glasgow_Times @ScotNational #StormBert #stormhour pic.twitter.com/rmf8zn8aHS

— Colin Mearns (@MearnsColin) November 23, 2024

Floods and snow hit northern regions

In western Ireland, heavy rain has caused widespread flooding that has closed railways in some areas, including Northern Ireland. Travel across Britain has also been affected by snow, particularly in northern and central England and Scotland, where heavy snow has closed major roads and disrupted traffic. Many cars have been seen stuck in snow across the country.

Met Office Warnings

The Met Office has issued dozens of flood and ice warnings, warning of the risk of isolating rural communities in the worst-hit areas. Authorities say the extreme weather conditions are set to continue, with more snow and freezing temperatures expected.

Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, described Storm Bert as a “multi-hazard event” with multiple impacts including flooding, heavy rain, snow and ice. Kelly added that this type of weather could cause widespread disruption to services, transport and communities.

Scenes from Storm Bert

Media showed scenes of flooding submerging parked cars in the town of Killybegs in County Donegal, Ireland. In Britain, snow covered several major roads, bringing traffic to a complete standstill in some areas. The Severn Bridge, which links Wales to England, was also closed due to strong winds.

While emergency teams continue to repair damage and restore services, residents face daily challenges due to the storm. Severe weather conditions are expected to continue in the coming days, which calls for caution and taking the necessary measures.

Early this morning, checking the flock. Even though there is access to the shed, some had chosen to stay outside. I must admit, at one point, a slight panic of where one was, but a sheep shape of Lunar came into torch view. All is well & #StormBert is turning to rain for us. #snow pic.twitter.com/flws6NuWp2

— Herdwicks of Highfields Farm (@highfieldsherdy) November 23, 2024

#VIDEO : A #Saudi pilot captures attention with a remarkable landing in #London amid Storm “Bert,” which swept through #Britain . pic.twitter.com/klcqqdSNaD

- Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) November 24, 2024