The United Kingdom is hunkering down for a weekend of wild weather as Storm Bert, the second named storm of the season, sets its sights on the region. According to the Met Office, Bert is poised to unleash a triple threat of heavy snow, strong winds up to 70mph, and torrential rain on parts of the country starting Saturday.
The wintry wallop has already forced the closure of hundreds of schools, with over 114 shuttering in Scotland’s Highland council area alone on Thursday. Prelim exams scheduled at Inverness Royal Academy and other institutions had to be postponed due to the inclement conditions. In England, 89 schools closed in Devon, with dozens more in Dorset and Cornwall also shutting their doors. Wales saw scattered closures as well, impacting students in Conwy, Denbighshire and Wrexham.
Travel Turmoil as Bert Approaches
Storm Bert’s impending arrival has transportation officials on high alert, with bus and rail services already experiencing disruptions in Scotland and South West England. Stagecoach Highland suspended all Inverness operations due to treacherous road conditions, while sister company Stagecoach Bluebird reported delays and cancellations in Moray. As the storm intensifies over the weekend, motorists are being advised to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.
Met Office Issues Barrage of Warnings
In preparation for Bert’s onslaught, the Met Office has plastered much of the UK with yellow warnings for snow and ice. Up to 10cm of snow could blanket higher elevations in southwest England, while an even more severe amber alert is in place for central and northern Scotland. In the amber zone, accumulations of 20-40cm are possible on hills above 400m.
“The amber warning area is where we’re most concerned about significant disruption,” said Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert. “With such substantial snowfall expected in a short timeframe, communities could easily become cut off for days.”
Beyond the snow, Bert will be packing a powerful punch of wind, with gusts potentially reaching 70mph in exposed locations. Coastal communities are girding for potential flooding and beach erosion from pounding surf and storm surge. The Met Office warns that power cuts are likely, along with damage to trees and temporary structures.
Wintry Weekend in Store
As Storm Bert tightens its snowy grip on the UK, residents are preparing for a weekend of disruption and challenging conditions. With overnight lows set to plunge well below freezing, untreated roads and pavements could turn into ice rinks. Health officials are urging the public, especially vulnerable populations, to take precautions against the chill.
- Stay informed by monitoring the latest Met Office forecasts and warnings
- Stock up on essential supplies in case you become snowbound or lose power
- Check on elderly neighbors and ensure pets have a warm place to shelter
- Allow extra time for travel and consider postponing non-essential journeys
While the snow may paint a pretty picture, Storm Bert is no winter wonderland. By keeping safety top of mind and exercising caution, the UK can weather this wintry assault with resilience. As the flakes fly and the winds howl, heed the old adage: prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.
