The impact of Storm Bert has escalated across the UK, bringing severe flooding, high winds, and widespread disruption. In South Wales, where some areas received over 100mm of rain in a short span, authorities have declared a major incident as homes, roads, and infrastructure remain overwhelmed by floodwaters. Pontypridd, in particular, has borne the brunt, with residents desperately bailing water from their homes as the River Taff burst its banks, submerging vehicles and surrounding properties.
Storm’s Path of Destruction
Forecasters had warned of a month’s worth of rainfall over the weekend, a prediction that has materialized with devastating consequences. Across Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, more than 100 flood warnings and hundreds of alerts remain in effect. As the rain shifts eastwards, areas in England’s Midlands and South West are now bracing for similar conditions, with flooding expected to spread.
Wind speeds have exacerbated the chaos, with gusts reaching 75mph in coastal regions and up to 65mph inland. The storm has already claimed at least one life directly a man in his 60s killed by a fallen tree near Winchester while two others died in road accidents in West Yorkshire and Northamptonshire. Thousands of residents face additional hardships, with more than 24,000 properties across the UK reported to be without power on Sunday afternoon.
South Wales Declares Major Incident
In South Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council declared a major incident on Sunday after extensive flooding. Pontypridd and surrounding areas have seen widespread damage as the River Taff overflowed. The council has set up three rest centres for displaced residents, offering shelter and support.
North Wales has also seen harrowing incidents. In Denbighshire, five adults and five children were rescued from a house engulfed by debris from a landslide on Saturday. The situation remains precarious, with emergency services stretched thin as they respond to the mounting crises.
Flooding in Northern Ireland and England
In Northern Ireland, heavy rains on Saturday left residents in Dundonald stranded in their homes. Up to ten properties were inundated in Coalisland as floodwaters continued to rise. In England’s West Midlands, emergency services rescued a person trapped in a car submerged in floodwaters in Walsall on Sunday morning.
Scotland Faces Dual Threats
Scotland, already reeling from snow and icy conditions earlier in the week, experienced further disruption with localised flooding and high winds. Melting snow in milder temperatures compounded by persistent rain has created dangerous conditions across the region. Amber warnings for snow were issued on Saturday, particularly for parts of Scotland and north-east England, while much of the UK remains under yellow warnings for wind and rain.
Disruptions Across the UK
Transport and daily activities have come to a standstill in many areas. In London, all Royal Parks were closed on Sunday due to safety concerns over high winds, impacting popular attractions like Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The parks are expected to reopen only after safety inspections on Monday.
Saturday saw travel chaos with roads blocked by floodwaters and fallen trees, railway lines disrupted, and flights delayed or canceled. The cumulative effect of these disruptions is expected to linger into the coming week as cleanup and repair efforts begin.
A Glimmer of Relief?
Meteorologists indicate that the worst of the rain may have passed for Wales and the South West, with conditions set to brighten gradually by Sunday afternoon. However, blustery showers will persist across many areas, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as Storm Bert moves eastward. Despite the storm’s havoc, temperatures remain unusually mild for November, with highs of 15°C in most areas and peaks of 17°C in the south-east.
Preparedness and Recovery
As the UK grapples with Storm Bert’s aftermath, emergency services and local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the crisis. The widespread flooding underscores the need for robust infrastructure and climate resilience as extreme weather events become increasingly common. For now, affected residents are urged to stay vigilant, heed warnings, and prioritize safety while recovery efforts get underway.
