Recently striking the UK, Storm Bert caused extreme damage, flooding, and high winds. Many parts of England and Wales have been impacted by this storm, which left homes flooded, people stranded, and travel disturbed.
Storm Bert is a meteorological system that delivers heavy rain and severe gusts to some areas of the United Kingdom. Storms like Bert result from the strong winds and rain produced when warm and cold air mix. It was one of the storms that seriously disrupted the UK over the winter.
Storm Bert’s Impact on the UK
Storm Bert caused a lot of damage when it struck. Many places saw floods resulting from the heavy rain and strong winds. These floods created significant challenges for those living in impacted towns and cities. The following are some main consequences of the storm:
Deaths and Injuries
Storm Bert sadly claimed at least five lives. Rivers overflowing from the heavy rain flooded businesses and houses. Storm Bert upended people’s lives and drove many to flee for safety from their homes. The torrential rain damaged roads and trains, making travel challenging.
Flood Notifications
Authorities expecting flooding issued flood warnings in areas including Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. For instance, the River Nene inundated Northamptonshire, drowning a third time and flooding a caravan park. Many houses close to the river were flooded, leaving families needing assistance.
Key Areas Affected by Storm Bert
Various regions of the UK suffered more than others. While some places had heavy gusts and rain, others faced terrible flooding. Let’s review some of the areas most severely disrupted:
Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire was among the worst-damaged counties. As the River Nene flooded, a “danger to life” warning was issued. This is the most serious kind of flood warning; hence, the flood could endanger people and their houses. The flooding was so severe that it inundated a caravan park, marking the third occurrence of this year.
England Worcestershire
Worcestershire also suffered greatly. A guy was arrested at Tenbury Wells for operating a tractor across deep floodwaters, causing damage to buildings and stores. Local roads were closed, and many companies had to close as well.
Southwest England
Heavy rain flooded roads in portions of Wales and the southwest of England, delaying trains. Travel was hampered by trash on various rail lines between Swindon and Bristol Parkway. Storm damage caused in other regions, including Newbury, forced the closure of rail station platforms.
How Storm Bert Affects Travel
When storms hit, travel is often the first thing to be affected. Storm Bert caused delays and cancellations across the UK, especially in south-west England and Wales. Here’s how it affected different types of travel:
- Train Delays
Many train routes were delayed or cancelled due to flooding and damage caused by the storm. In places like Swindon and Bristol, trains couldn’t run on time because floodwaters covered the tracks. If you were planning to travel by train, checking for updates before leaving home was important.
- Road Closures
Flooded roads were also a big problem. Heavy flooding closed many roads in affected areas, making it hard to travel by car. Always check traffic updates before heading out. If you need to travel, avoid driving through floodwater – it’s dangerous and can damage your car.
- Flight Disruptions
Some airports also saw delays or cancellations because of bad weather. High winds and rain can make flying unsafe, so always check with your airline before you head to the airport.
What to Do If You’re Affected by Storm Bert
If you’re in an area affected by Storm Bert or any storm, knowing how to stay safe is important. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your home:
Listen to the news and pay attention to weather warnings. The UK Met Office provides flood warnings and weather alerts, so you always know what to expect. Keep your phone charged and check for updates regularly.
If you live in a flood-risk area, preparing your home before a storm hits is a good idea. You can:
- Put sandbags in front of doors to stop water from entering.
- Move important things like electronics and documents to higher ground in your house.
- Make sure your gutters and drains are clean so that water can flow freely.
If a flood warning is issued, don’t wait. Move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. It only takes a small amount of fast-moving water to knock someone over. Stay indoors until it’s safe to go outside.
Thank you for reading, click the link to read more of our Articles
