Storm Bert wrecks havoc: Five dead and entire towns underwater due to devastating’ floods as UK hit by travel chaos

by Admin
November 24, 2024

Storm Bert will continue to bring disruption after torrential downpours caused “devastating” flooding over the weekend.

While the last of the Met Office’s rain warnings ended at 11.59pm on Sunday, strong winds persist and rain from high ground will reach rivers, which could disrupt clean-up efforts.

South Wales will be counting the cost of the storm after a major incident was declared in the Rhondda Cynon Taf region on Sunday amid fears of a more significant impact than during Storm Dennis in 2020.

Between 200 and 300 properties in the area were affected by flooding, with local leaders expressing surprise at the extent of the rainfall. At least five deaths have been reported in England and Wales since the storm hit.

Flooding has caused disruption across the UK

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Firefighters pump water from Sion Street in Pontypridd

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A vehicle is driven through floodwater after heavy rain in Shipston-on-Sour in Warwickshire

$\u200bFlooding at Cross Keys Rugby Club in Newport$

Flooding at Cross Keys Rugby Club in Newport

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$\u200bThe River Blackwater bursts its banks and floods Mallow Racecourse in Mallow, County Cork$

The River Blackwater bursts its banks and floods Mallow Racecourse in Mallow, County Cork

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place in Northern and central Scotland. The Fire Service and South Gloucestershire Council have reported flooding across several areas of the region.

Flooded roadways include the A431 around Bath Road in Swineford, Shire Way Yate and adjacent roads, St Johns Way in Chipping Sodbury and adjacent roads, Stidcot Lane in Tytherington, Perrinpitt Lane in Bristol, and Old Gloucester Road in Winterbourne.

The M32 in Bristol was closed northbound between J1 near Hambrook and the M4 J19, and the A49 in Shropshire and Herefordshire was closed in both directions between Ludlow and Holmer.

In Northampton, police advised motorists to avoid the following Storm Bert-related road closures on Monday: Andrew’s Road and its surrounding areas, St James’ Park Road along Victoria Park, Dallington close to the brook, London Road/Bridge Street in Far Cotton, and Bedford Road.

Also in Northampton, London Northwestern Railway reports that no rail services will operate to and from Northampton Station. Thameslink reports a points failure has occurred between Herne Hill and Tulse Hill with all lines in this area disrupted with delays and possible diversions or route alterations possible

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$\u200b St James's Park in London which has been closed to the public during Storm Bert$

St James’s Park in London which has been closed to the public during Storm Bert

Flood signage in place at Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire,

$\u200bFlooding in Blakesley, Northamptonshire$

Flooding in Blakesley, Northamptonshire

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$\u200bA wall collapse in Tenbury caused flooding$

A wall collapse in Tenbury Wells caused flooding

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Significant river and surface water flooding is possible in parts of England on Sunday, especially in the South West, the West Midlands, and the Calder Valley in the North of England due to heavy rain and recent snowmelt.

“Minor impacts are possible more widely across England, which may continue in places until Tuesday. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and will support local authorities in their response.”

People are being told to stay away from swollen rivers and urged not to drive through flood water. West Midlands Fire Service said its crews rescued a person trapped in a car stranded in floodwater in Walsall on Sunday morning.

The storm is continuing to cause disruption across the UK this afternoon and wind warnings remain in place with gusts of up to 70mph forecast for exposed areas.

$\u200bEmergency services at the scene of a scaffolding collapse on Bethnal Green Road, London$

Emergency services at the scene of a scaffolding collapse on Bethnal Green Road, London

$\u200bFlooded roads in Walton, Warwickshire$

Flooded roads in Walton, Warwickshire

Simon Brown, services director at the Met Office, said: “Our thoughts are with those who are currently affected with the impacts caused by Storm Bert in South Wales, as well as the rest of the country.

“As always with a named storm, a full assessment of the forecast and warning strategy will take place with our partners. But this assessment is carried out post-event, therefore I would expect this to take place over the coming days.

“Storm Bert was well forecast, 48 hours in advance, with a number of warnings in place ahead of the system reaching the UK.