Storm Bert latest updates: Danger to life warnings and homes submerged as nearly 400 areas hit by flood risk
Severe disruption as Storm Bert brings torrential rains and winds to UK
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Your support makes all the difference.The Met Office has warned of a danger to life as six weather warnings for wind and rain remain in force while Storm Bert batters the UK, placing nearly 400 areas at risk of flooding and causing severe travel disruption.
Winds of up to 82mph have so far been recorded and, as temperatures rise, melting snow and heavy rain are causing flooding, with energy chiefs warning the worst of the impact is yet to come. Weather alerts were in force across the UK 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 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.
Tens of thousands of homes have been without power, with 4,000 homes affected in the Midlands, south-west England and South Wales and 27,000 customers affected in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. In Ireland, thousands were still left without electricity on Saturday evening.
Man dies as Storm Bert batters UK bringing flooding, power cuts and travel chaos
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How long will Storm Bert last?
According to the Met Office, Storm Bert will finally clear form the far northeast early on Tuesday.
While next week will bring quieter weather for many, there is a risk of some further rain and strong winds across the south of the UK on Tuesday night and Wednesday, the forecaster said.
Looking further ahead, there are indications that the UK could see a brief return to colder conditions although for many, but it will be drier than of late, the Met Office said.
However, it is uncertain how long the more settled conditions will last, with rain probably returning to westernmost areas at least by the end of the week.
Storm Bert brings more than 130mm of rainfall in just 24 hours
More than 130mm of rain has already fallen in some areas over the past 24 hours, according to the Met Office.
Those large accumulations of rainfall, plus rapidly thawed snowfall from yesterday, has created a flood risk in hundreds of parts of the UK.
Watch: Fallen tree blocks off road in Kent
Wind warnings in place in several counties across island of Ireland
Wind warnings are in place for several counties on the island of Ireland on Sunday as Storm Bert continues to cause challenging conditions. The storm, which landed overnight on Friday, flooded villages and roads, and disrupted travel.
In Co Donegal, Bridge Street in Killybegs was dramatically flooded, with homes and charities impacted, while the River Feale in west Limerick burst its banks. After alerts warning of rain, wind and snow lifted on Saturday, clean-up operations began and power supplies were restored to thousands of homes and businesses.
On Sunday, forecasters issued low-level wind warnings for 13 counties across the island.
Storm Bert: Wind warnings in place in several counties across island of Ireland
The worst of the storm has passed but there is still a risk of fallen trees and travel disruption in some counties.
Met Office graphic shows Storm Bert outlook on Sunday afternoon
A new Met Office graphic shows the outlook for Sunday afternoon, as a band of heavy rain moves in from the southwest, affecting much of England and Wales, while western Scotland continues to be buffeted by powerful winds.
Homes and cars submerged in Wales
Homes and cars are underwater as Storm Bert continues to take its destructive toll on Wales.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued more than 100 flood warnings and alerts across the country, with bridges shut and roads closed.
Rising waters have been reported in towns across the country, including Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Aberdare, with landslides in north Wales.
Videos and pictures being shared on social media show parts of Pontypridd underwater, with cars submerged and homeowners bailing out their properties next to the River Taff.
The Pontypridd Parkrun Facebook page said: “Our park has been flooded again whilst we do not know the full extent of any damage yet, initial pictures do not look good.”
Severe flooding in Pontypridd as council ‘declares major incident'
Rhondda Cynon Taf council has declared a major incident due to “significant flooding” across the county, the BBC reports.
Pictures are emerging on social media showing parts of Pontypridd submerged by floodwaters. The council said it had set up emergency rest centres at Pontypridd library and Ystrad sports centre.
Nearly 400 areas now at risk of flooding
The number of areas at risk of flooding has now increased to nearly 400.
In England, the Environment Agency has issued 76 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – and a further 193 flood alerts, which warn that it is possible.
In Wales, there are 51 flood warnings in force – mostly in the southeast – and a further 60 alerts.
Scotland is subject to five warnings – one in Orkney, three in Tayside, and another at Strath Oykel – along with six alerts.
One hundred-plus flight cancellations at London Heathrow airport
More than 100 short-haul flights to and from London Heathrow airport have been cancelled on Sunday.
The vast majority – at least 94 – are on British Airways. The airline has grounded three round trips to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh and Milan, as well as multiple European flights to and from Rome, Copenhagen, Madrid, Brussels and Paris. Domestic departures to Aberdeen, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle are also affected.
The Independent is seeking the reason for the cancellations. With high winds expected, it is usual for the “flow rate” of landing aircraft to be reduced, and for airlines at Heathrow to be asked to reduce the number of flights.
In addition to the BA cancellations, Aer Lingus has grounded one flight each serving Cork, Dublin and Shannon. Lufthansa has cancelled one flight to Munich and two to Frankfurt.
Finnair, Swiss and Turkish Airlines have also grounded one flight each to their hubs
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