Storm Bert’s ‘multi-hazard event’ will see Scotland battered with extreme snow, rain and wind

Storm Bert is set to bring a “multi-hazard event” to Scotland, forecasters have warned. The Met Office has issued several weather warnings across the UK following a cold snap. The named storm is set to batter the country on Saturday, bringing with it “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow,” 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.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said Storm Bert was a “multi-hazard event”. “We’re looking at strong winds, some high snowfall accumulation, heavy rain, all in various different parts of the UK,” he said. “So it’s quite a complex weather set-up for the weekend. Generally speaking, it’s a very unsettled weekend of weather ahead.”

He advised the public to keep an eye on the weather in their areas. He said: “Because of the different nature of the weather across the UK, people really need to have an idea of what the forecast is for them specifically. Further south it’s wind and rain, further north it’s snow then rain and wind. So it really depends on where you are in the UK. Keep on top of the forecast for your area, and prepare as necessary.

Avanti West Coast advised customers not to travel north of Preston on Saturday because of the expected disruption from Storm Bert. The train company said existing tickets could be used anytime from Friday November 22 to the end of service on Monday November 25 due to the storm.

RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson warned drivers to be aware of “rapidly changing conditions” on the roads because of Storm Bert. She advised drivers to keep speeds down in areas of standing water to avoid aquaplaning and to be cautious of debris falling into the road due to strong winds.

In conclusion, Storm Bert is set to bring a mix of extreme weather conditions to Scotland, with heavy snow, rain and strong winds expected over the weekend. The public is advised to stay informed about the weather forecast in their area and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm. Travel disruptions are anticipated, and individuals are urged to reconsider travel plans and stay vigilant while driving in hazardous road conditions.