Over the weekend, the “Bert” storm hit Britain, causing widespread flooding and forcing the closure of roads and railways on Monday, November 25th. This severe weather event has resulted in at least four fatalities.
According to reports from Reuters, more than 300 flood warnings and alerts have been issued across England and Wales, with trains being canceled from London to the southwest and severe disruptions in railway services in central England.
The Environment Agency estimates that around 100 homes have been flooded. A dog walker in North Wales lost their life during the storm, and additionally, a man in southern England was killed when a fallen tree struck his vehicle.
Despite the storm starting to weaken, the government continues to urge people to remain vigilant as weather forecasts indicate that the flood risk in England will persist throughout Monday, with river levels expected to continue rising.
Authorities have been forced to close some major roads. Trees fallen on railway lines have cut off services between London and the UK’s fourth-largest hub, Stansted Airport. While the railway lines have reopened after previous damage, severe disruptions are still expected.
Storm “Bert” made landfall in the UK late last Friday, November 22nd, bringing snow, rain, and strong winds, subsequently causing transportation disruptions. The Meteorological Office issued a strong wind warning for northern Scotland on Monday, stating that the storm is expected to leave the region earlier on Tuesday.
Residents in the flood-affected areas are facing extensive cleanup efforts. A business owner told the BBC that her shop was destroyed.
“Everything is ruined this time,” Laura Jones said. Her craft shop in the Tenbury Wells area of Worcestershire was hit by floods.
The Great Western Railway, which operates between London and the southwest of England, advises passengers not to travel by train.
The Great Western Railway Company stated that, due to floods and fallen trees blocking major routes, the company has suspended services on all major lines.