A severe weather warning has been issued as Storm Bert wreaks havoc across the UK, causing widespread disruption to travel and daily routines. People are being strongly advised not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary, due to the dangerous conditions caused by the storm. Major roads have been shut down following multiple accidents, while both train and ferry services have been cancelled in the wake of strong winds, heavy rain, snow, and icy conditions.
Forecasters have foreseen up to 40cm of snow in elevated areas and winds reaching speeds of up to 70mph. The entirety of Scotland has been placed under a Met Office weather warning, with certain regions experiencing an amber snow and ice warning such as the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, and Angus. Additionally, the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway have been issued an amber snow warning. The rest of the UK is under a yellow snow and ice warning, with a wind warning covering a wide expanse from the Western Isles to Aberdeenshire.
Travellers on Saturday have already been met with significant disruptions, with further warnings of impending difficulties. Emergency services had to close junctions 13 and 14 of the M74 due to an early morning crash, leading to extremely poor driving conditions in the area. Police Scotland has explicitly advised citizens to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Furthermore, multiple car accidents have forced the closure of the A68 between St Boswells and Ancrum in the Scottish Borders, adding to the transport woes.
Scotland’s Queensferry Crossing has been shut down in both directions due to the risk of falling ice, diverting traffic over the Forth Road Bridge. ScotRail has cancelled various services including routes from Inverness to Elgin, Aberdeen to Inverurie, and Glasgow Queen Street to Oban. CalMac and P&O ferries have not been spared either, with several services being cancelled on Saturday. The Met Office has highlighted the potential for certain rural areas to be isolated due to the severe weather conditions, reiterating the risk to life associated with the amber warning.
The adverse weather is expected to continue, with heavy snowfall and freezing rain persisting till Saturday evening, followed by a rapid thaw overnight as temperatures rise. On Sunday, while conditions may improve slightly in the east, a yellow rain and snow warning will still cover most of the UK, along with a yellow wind warning for the Western Isles. As a result, further travel disruptions are anticipated, prompting authorities to emphasise caution and limit travel to essential journeys only during this challenging period.
In Wales, Storm Bert has already led to road closures and treacherous conditions, echoing the challenges faced across the UK. As the storm sweeps through various regions, residents are urged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and prioritise safety during this tumultuous weather event. Stay updated on developments and follow guidelines from local authorities to navigate through Storm Bert’s impact effectively.
Overall, the UK is bracing itself for more disruptions in the coming days, with weather warnings still in place and the storm showing no signs of relenting. The safety and well-being of individuals remain paramount, and it is crucial to exercise caution, stay vigilant, and adhere to official guidance to mitigate the risks posed by Storm Bert’s turbulent weather conditions.