Storm Bert live: New weather warning issued as Britain braces for 70mph winds and rain this weekend
Parts of the country are bracing for power cuts as charities and energy companies warn homeowners to stay warm as temperatures drop to freezing
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Your support makes all the difference.The Met Office has issued a new weather warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Bert on the weekend.
The storm is set to reach the UK on Saturday and the Met Office is expecting it to bring “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend”, potentially causing travel disruption and flooding.
The forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning across southern England, covering Cornwall, Plymouth and Southampton. It is in place from 3pm on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday.
Overnight on Thursday, the Met Office said much of the UK experienced temperatures near freezing, with the mercury falling as low as minus 6C at Tulloch Bridge in Scotland.
The forecasting body said many will wake up to a frost with icy surfaces in places with several yellow warnings for snow and ice in place across the UK until 10am on Friday.
Commuters can expect significant travel disruption, with National Rail predicting four days of delays as heavy snow continues through the weekend.
The wintry weather affected education, with dozens of schools closed across the country.
How is climate change affecting snow in the UK?
In recent decades, the intensity and frequency of heavy snowfall in the UK has reduced, and is expected to further reduce in recent years.
Between 1961 to 1990, it snowed for an average of 36.3 days each year in the UK, which has since reduced to 23.7 leading up to 2010.
In pictures: Snow continues to blanket parts of the UK
In Pictures: Snow continues to blanket parts of the UK
Temperatures dropped below zero in some parts of the country on Wednesday morning.
Storm Bert to bring ‘multi-hazard event’ to the UK following cold snap
The Met Office has issued several weather warnings as Storm Bert is set to bring a “multi-hazard event” to the UK following a cold snap.
The storm is expected to reach the UK on Saturday and the Met Office is expecting it to bring “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend”, potentially causing travel disruption and flooding.
An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in force between 7am and 5pm on Saturday in an area north of Scotland’s central belt, where 10-20cm is likely on ground above 200 metres and potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400 metres.
The warning covers parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire and some of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute.
Meanwhile, yellow wind, rain and snow warnings cover much of the rest of the UK.
Wind warnings cover Scotland from 5am until 7pm on Saturday.
Rain and snow warnings cover northern England from 4am to 9am and Northern Ireland from midnight on Friday until 11am on Saturday. Rain warnings cover much of Wales from 6am on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, and south-west England from 6am on Saturday until 11.45pm.
A wind warning also covers coastal areas of southern England from 3pm until 9pm on Saturday.
Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow?
Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow?
Tips for how to look after your pets during the cold weather
Met Office warn rainfall in excess of 100mm is possible
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “Storm Bert marks a shift to much milder air and wintry hazards will gradually diminish through the weekend, but heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday, especially over higher ground, and warnings are in place.
“Heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday, especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some with a number of warnings in place.
“We expect 50-75mm of rainfall quite widely within the warning areas, but in excess of 100mm is possible over high ground in parts of Wales and south-west England.
“In addition, rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate impacts and bring the potential for travel disruption, as well as flooding for some.”
Drivers have been urged to be careful on the roads
The RAC urged people to take care on the roads.
RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: “The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year.
“With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.”
Met Office issues danger to life warning as more snow forecast over weekend
Met Office issues danger to life warning as more snow forecast over weekend
Warning that snow turning to heavy rain on Saturday night cause pose danger to life
Specialist officers join search on Lewis for missing teenager
Specialist officers have travelled from the mainland to help search for a teenager missing on Lewis for four days in wintry conditions.
Aleksandr Benga, 16, was last seen at around 8.45am on Monday November 18 close to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle near Stornoway.
Police said they are “very concerned” for his welfare and urged people to check any outbuildings and sheds in case the teenager has sought shelter from the cold.
Specialist search officers from Aberdeen and Inverness have travelled to the island to help with the ongoing “extensive” searches, while support is also being provided by partner agencies.
The 16-year-old is 6ft 2in, of slim build with short brown hair.
When last seen he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans and may also have a red jacket and a yellow beanie hat.
In pictures: Ships sail in rough seas ahead of Storm Bert
Chance of power cuts, mobile phone outages, and travel cancellations for northern Scotland
People in northern Scotland are being warned of a small chance of power cuts and mobile phone outages, as well as the potential for cancelled rail and air travel, due to the severe weather.
Under one of multiple yellow warnings issued by the Met Office for various parts of the UK, rural communities also face warnings of a “slight chance” they will be cut off.
The weather bureau is also warning residents in that region of risks of slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as traffic disruptions due to Storm Bert moving over the UK through the coming days.
“There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel,” the Met Office said.
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