Met Office responds to Storm Bert weather alert criticism

The Met Office is launching a review, after criticism over its decision to issue yellow weather warnings for Wales, as Storm Bert swept across the UK this weekend. The storm left devastation in its wake, in parts of the country.

Flood alerts were issued across North Wales, roads were closed across the region due to flooding; ten people - including five children - had to be rescued from a house in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen, following a landslide; and sadly a body was found, following a massive search for 75-year-old Brian Perry, who went missing with his dog near Trefriw as flood waters rose.

Homes and businesses were also flooded in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, prompting the council leader Andrew Morgan, to slam the Met Office's decision to issue a yellow alert - the lowest of three warnings that can be issued. He believed it should have been higher.

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In a further response following criticisms, a Met Office spokesperson said there would be a review, in line with standard practice following a named storm, to assess the national weather agency's response, which should take place in the coming days.

The spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with those who are currently affected with the impacts caused by Storm Bert in South Wales, as well as the rest of the country.

"Storm Bert was a multi-hazard event, bringing snow, rain and wind to much of the UK over the weekend. This deep low-pressure system resulted in impacts across large swathes of the country including wind damage, flooding, and snowfall.

"As always with a named storm, a full assessment of the forecast and warning strategy will take place with our partners. But this assessment is carried out post event, therefore, I would expect this to take place over the coming days.

"Storm Bert was well forecast, 48 hrs in advance, and a number of warnings were in place ahead of the system reaching the UK. We work closely with partners to assess the potential risks of extreme weather and warnings covering Wales highlighted the potential for homes and businesses to flood with fast flowing or deep floodwater was possible, causing a danger to life.

"River levels around the Valleys including Pontypridd have peaked and are now falling, however, are still rising around Monmouth, including the Monnow which leads into the River Wye, therefore the risk of flooding still persisting in and around Monmouth. You can monitor the risk of flooding in this area by using the warnings on the Natural Resources Wales website.

"Storm Bert will finally clear from the far northeast early on Tuesday. Next week will bring quieter weather for many, although there is a risk of some further rain and strong winds across the south of the UK on Tuesday night and Wednesday."

Natural Resources Wales has confirmed it will also be holding a review to see if any lessons can be learned.

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