Wales Online’s weather forecasters are anticipating a ‘nasty change’ in weather conditions as the second storm of the winter is predicted to make its way towards the UK. Following the impact of Storm Ashley last month, the upcoming storm is expected to be named Bert, with Wales likely to experience the brunt of its effects. The Met Office has already issued warnings highlighting the potential disruption from heavy rain and snow set to accompany the shift to more wet and windy conditions on Saturday.
Welsh weather forecaster Sabrina Lee has alerted the public to the possibility of the second named storm hitting the UK over the weekend, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds. The forecast indicates that a significant amount of rainfall is expected across Wales, with warnings in place for a 24-hour period starting from 6 am on Saturday. If this area of low pressure develops into a named storm, it will be officially known as Storm Bert, as per the naming conventions followed by meteorological agencies.
BBC forecaster Carol Kirkwood has echoed the concerns raised by Sabrina Lee, emphasising the expected drastic changes in weather patterns and advising individuals with travel plans to closely monitor updates on the evolving conditions. Kirkwood mentioned that a deep area of low pressure will usher in a south-westerly wind, leading to heavy rain and possible snowfall, particularly in parts of England and Scotland. The potential for severe gales and even storm-force winds has been highlighted, urging caution for those venturing out during the weekend.
Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone has also issued statements regarding the anticipated impact of the upcoming storm system. He emphasised the likelihood of significant rainfall, with areas in Wales and southwest UK potentially experiencing 50-75 mm of rain within the warned regions. Higher grounds, especially in south Wales, could witness excess of 150 mm of rainfall, intensifying the risk of travel disruptions and instances of flooding. The unsettled weather conditions are expected to persist not just over the weekend but also into the beginning of the following week.
A yellow weather warning has been issued for a large part of Wales from Saturday morning until Sunday morning, indicating the expected spell of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong southerly winds. The warning advises caution as the heavy rain could lead to slow-moving weather systems in south Wales, resulting in higher accumulation totals and increased chances of adverse impacts. Residents in the warned areas are urged to stay informed about the weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and preparedness in light of the impending storm.
As the country braces for the arrival of Storm Bert, concerns regarding potential flooding, travel disruptions, and sustained periods of wet and windy conditions have been emphasised by meteorological experts. The combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the possibility of snow exacerbates the risks associated with the impending storm, necessitating vigilance and proactive measures from residents in the affected regions. Stay tuned for further updates and advisories as the situation unfolds over the weekend, keeping a close eye on the evolving weather forecasts and warnings issued by the relevant authorities.