A tragic incident occurred as Storm Bert wreaked havoc, claiming the lives of two men in separate incidents. The storm’s destructive power led to a man in his 60s losing his life after a tree fell on his car on the A34 near Winchester. Hampshire Police received the call at 7.47am to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall, finding the driver of a black Mercedes E350 deceased at the scene. The family of the victim has been notified, and investigations are ongoing.
In another unfortunate event, a 34-year-old man lost his life in Shipley, West Yorkshire when his car skidded off the road, crashing into a stone wall. Despite receiving emergency treatment, the driver could not be saved. The authorities are appealing for witnesses and any relevant dashcam footage to assist in understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Additionally, in Co Donegal, Ireland, two men in their 30s lost their lives in a two-car collision, while two others sustained serious injuries. This grim series of events underscores the devastating impact of Storm Bert, with unforeseen tragedies striking across various locations due to the severe weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Storm Bert continues to unleash chaos, leaving thousands of homes without power, causing flooding on roads, and disrupting transportation systems. The National Grid reported power outages affecting around 4,000 homes in the Midlands, south-west England, and south Wales. The Energy Networks Association is closely monitoring the situation, preparing for the storm’s full impact as winds intensify and adverse weather conditions persist.
Travel disruptions abound as the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire and the A66 in County Durham faced closures due to hazardous conditions. Airport operations were hampered, with Newcastle Airport experiencing flight diversions amidst heavy snowfall. With several weather warnings in place, including an amber alert for snow and ice in Scotland, residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
As torrential rain poses threats in England, the Met Office issues warnings for potential flooding in southern regions. Some areas could receive up to 70mm of rainfall, with Dartmoor facing the risk of 100-150mm. The impact of the storm reverberates through various sectors, with the cancellation of events like the Championship football match between Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth due to adverse weather conditions.
The public safety remains a top priority, with warnings issued to coastal areas of southern England and Wales for strong winds. Authorities advise vigilance around overhead power lines to prevent accidents amidst the turbulent weather. As Storm Bert rages on, vigilance, caution, and cooperation are vital to mitigating risks and ensuring the community’s safety in the face of this natural calamity.