Storm Bert live updates: Body found after man swept away by river as close to month’s rain falls in 48 hours
Close to 400 areas at risk of flooding as Storm Bert brings torrential rains and winds to UK
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Your support makes all the difference.A body has been 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 places nearly 400 areas in the UK at risk of flooding.
Storm Bert brought nearly a month’s worth of rain in less than 48 hours, with winds of up to 82mph recorded, causing chaos for those travellling by road and rail. As temperatures rise, melting snow and heavy rain are causing flooding – with the Met Office issuing six weather alerts on Sunday.
Homes and cars were submerged in Wales as rising waters were reported in towns across the country, including Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Aberdare.
A body was found in the search for Brian Perry, who went missing in the River Conwy near the market town of Llanwrst on Saturday, North Wales Police said. A man in his 60s died after a tree fell on his car in Hampshire, while 10 people were rescued from a home hit by a landslide in north Wales, rescue services said.
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More than 30,000 homes suffer power cuts
Tens of thousands of homes have been without power on Saturday as Storm Bert batters the UK.
Some 4,000 homes have been affected in the Midlands, south-west England and South Wales, while a further 27,000 customers were affected in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.
Dozens more flood alerts issued
As of 3pm on Saturday, there were 26 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – in force in England, along with 83 lesser flood alerts in areas where flooding is possible.
There were six flood alerts covering swathes of southern and eastern Scotland, and one warning in Orkney, while Wales was subject to 41 alerts and five warnings.
What are the latest Met Office weather warnings?
As of 3pm on Saturday, there remained seven yellow weather alerts in place, stretching the length of the UK, but mostly in western areas.
The entire south coast and much of western Scotland were subject to warnings for strong winds, with a rain alert in force in Wales until 6am on Sunday. Further rain alerts were issued in northwestern England and central Scotland.
Edinburgh bus services halted due to safety concerns
One of Scotland’s biggest bus firms has paused its services due to the impact of Storm Bert.
Lothian Buses, which operates the majority of routes in Edinburgh, as well as services in East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, said buses had been halted due to safety concerns.
In a post on X, the firm said: “Due to adverse weather across the network, buses are unable to continue due to safety concerns.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused, and thank you for your patience while our teams work to assess routes.”
Overhead power line warning issued
UK Power Networks, the operator for the east and south-east of England, has warned people to stay away from overhead power lines amid the powerful winds brought by Storm Bert.
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