People pour water out of the front garden of properties on Sion Street in Pontypridd, Wales

Exactly when Storm Bert will end as Met Office says cold snap on way

by · Wales Online

The Met Office is warning people that National Severe Weather Warnings are still in place across the UK as Storm Bert brings high winds and heavy rains across the UK. At least three people have died across the UK during the severe weather, with two car crashes and one car crushed by a tree.

The weather system has already brought strong winds, heavy rain and snow, to large swathes of the country. There have been large rainfall accumulations with some places having seen in excess of 130 mm in the last 24 hours and wind gust of over 75 miles per hour in some exposed areas.

Andy Page, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: “Impacts from Storm Bert will continue to cause disruption as we go through today, and multiple warnings are in place for wind and rain. While the risk of any snowfall has now diminished, rainfall will affect much of the UK today, in particular some southwestern parts of England and South Wales, but the heaviest rain will ease from these areas through the day.

“The strong southerly winds continue today and warnings are in place for central, southern and eastern England, Northern Ireland and western Scotland where gusts could peak at 60 mph and could even reach more than 70 mph along some exposed coasts. Warnings could still be amended, possibly at short notice, so it is important people keep up to date with the very latest forecast.”

Mark Nash, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “With Storm Bert it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care."

Storm Bert will finally clear form the far northeast early on Tuesday. Next week will bring quieter weather for many, although there is a risk of some further rain and strong winds across the south of the UK on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

The Met Office said that we could see a brief return to colder conditions for many, but it will be drier, with rain probably returning to westernmost areas at least by the end of the week.