Expert shares one thing you must do now before Storm Bert hits as Brits brace for chaos

An expert has revealed the immediate steps people must take to brace themselves for Storm Bert.

With the storm comes a series of yellow and amber weather warnings across the UK beginning on Saturday (November 23). The Met Office has confirmed strong winds, disruptive snow and heavy rain are all possible effects of the storm.

John Swindle, roofing expert at Chase Roof Inspections, has since called on Brits to prepare themselves for the storm and advised people make this one major check a first priority.

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He said: "Storms like Bert can wreak havoc on properties, but with some simple precautions, homeowners can minimise the risk of damage. Your roof is your first line of defence against wind, rain, and snow, so ensuring it’s in good condition is essential."

Swindle urged people to check their homes for cracks, leaks or soft spots which could be affected by the storm. Chase Roof Inspections suggested people "look for missing, cracked, or loose tiles that could worsen under heavy winds or rainfall. Addressing these issues now can prevent more significant damage."

He also recommends homeowners conduct a quick inspection of their roofs once the storm has passed. Look for missing tiles, water stains, or sagging sections. "If you spot any damage, it’s best to call a professional immediately," Swindle said. "Small issues can quickly escalate if left unchecked."

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 50-75 mm of rainfall quite widely within the warning areas, but in excess of 100 mm is possible over high ground in parts of Wales and southwest 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."