Friday, December 27, 2024

UK floods latest: Major travel disruption as Storm Bert hits rail and road

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UK braces for ‘disruptive snow’, ice and cold temperatures

Storm Bert will continue to cause travel disruptions today due to several rail lines being shut following “devastating” flooding over the weekend.

Rail passengers have been urged not to travel between Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, and Stansted Airport as major disruption is expected until 2pm.

Great Western Railway, which runs services between London and the West, has been forced to suspend many of its journeys telling passengers to “not attempt to travel on any routes.”

At least five deaths have been reported in England and Wales since Storm Bert hit as the heavy rainfall and thawed snow put more than 400 areas in the UK at risk of flooding. A body was found on Sunday in the search for a 75-year-old man missing in the River Conwy, another man in his 60s died after a tree fell on his car on the A34 near Winchester, Hampshire. Three others have died in fatal motor-related incidents.

The second named storm of the season brought nearly a month’s worth of rainfall in less than 48 hours, with winds of up to 82mph recorded, causing chaos for those travelling by road and rail. More than 150 flood alerts remain in place for England and Wales and travel issues are set to continue into the new week.

Albert Toth25 November 2024 07:51

Flood warnings and alerts mapped

The government has updated its flood checking service to see where is most at risk across the UK.

There are currently 160 flood warnings in place, with one marked as severe and posing danager to life. This is at the River Nene at the Billing Aquadrome and nearby business parks.

Those living in areas marked with flood warnings are advised to act now to protect themselves. Those in areas where there are flood alerts are advised to be prepared.

For the full list of flood warnings and alerts, and government advice, you can use their flood checking service.

Flood warnings and alerts across the UK, 25 November
Flood warnings and alerts across the UK, 25 November (GOV.UK)

Albert Toth25 November 2024 07:40

Full story: Body found in search for dog walker as Storm Bert brings month of rain in 48 hours

On Sunday afternoon, North Wales Police said a body had been found in the area of Gower Road, Trefiw, in north-west Wales near the Afon Conwy river, where 75-year-old Brian Perry went missing on Saturday while walking his dog. The body has not been formally identified, but Mr Perry’s family has been informed.

Read the full story here:

Tara Cobham25 November 2024 07:00

Keir Starmer thanks emergency services

Prime minister Keir Starmer thanked the emergency service personnels, who he said were “working tirelessly to protect communities”, as Storm Bert left a trail of destruction.

“… my thoughts are with those impacted,” he said in a post on X.

“I’m receiving updates on Storm Bert as it develops across the UK.”

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar25 November 2024 06:30

Watch: Fallen tree blocks off road in Kent as Storm Bert batters UK

Storm Bert: Fallen tree blocks off road in Kent

Tara Cobham25 November 2024 06:00

Rail travel warning for today

Rail passengers have been urged not to travel between Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, and Stansted Airport lines after multiple fallen trees damaged the electrical overhead wires.

Major disruption is expected until 2pm today, according to reports.

Southern, which runs rail services across the south-east of England, said some services will be cancelled today or revised because of forecast severe weather, including on its London network and the West Coastway between Havant and Southampton.

Services across other rail companies could start later than normal as tracks that were flooded or hit by fallen trees are inspected.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar25 November 2024 05:30

Full story: Major incident declared in South Wales as Storm Bert takes its toll

A major incident has been declared in South Wales after dozens of homes, businesses and a number of schools were affected by flooding during Storm Bert.

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, South Wales Fire and Rescue, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and South Wales Police have declared a major incident for the borough.

Meanwhile, a body has been found in the search for 75-year-old Brian Perry after he went missing in the River Conwy on Saturday, North Wales Police said.

Read the full story here:

Tara Cobham25 November 2024 05:00

Five dead in Storm Bert flooding

At least five people have reportedly died as Storm Bert caused “devastating” flooding over the weekend in the UK, leaving hundreds of homes underwater and turning roads into rivers.

A body was found in the search for a 75-year-old man missing in the River Conwy, as the heavy rainfall and thawed snow brought by Storm Bert put more than 400 areas in the UK at risk of flooding.

A man in his 80s died after his car entered the water near Colne over the weekend, the police said. The man was recovered from the water on Cockhill Lane and rushed to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar25 November 2024 04:25

Watch: Storm Bert sweeps across UK causing severe flooding in South Wales

Storm Bert: Severe flooding hits South Wales

Tara Cobham25 November 2024 04:00

In pics: Storm Bert hits the UK

Emergency 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 (James Manning/PA Wire)
A view of flooding at Cross Keys Rugby Club
A view of flooding at Cross Keys Rugby Club (Getty Images)

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar25 November 2024 03:30

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