How to prepare for Storm Bert as 'multi-hazard event' to hit Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Luke O'Reilly, PA & Ruaraidh Britton
·5-min read
Storm Bert will hit Aberdeen this weekend.
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)


The Met Office has warned of the dangers posed by Storm Bert as the "multi-hazard event" makes its way towards Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The storm is expected to reach the UK on Saturday and forecasters expect it to bring "heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend", potentially causing travel disruption and flooding.

An amber alert for heavy snow and ice in parts of western Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms will be in force between 7am and 5pm on Saturday, where 10-20cm is likely on ground above 200 metres and potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400 metres.

READ MORE: Aberdeenshire Council considering 20% council tax hike to pay for vital services

READ MORE: Storm Bert to batter north-east as Met Office issue amber weather warning

Meanwhile, yellow wind, rain and snow warnings cover much of the rest of the UK. Wind warnings cover the east coast from Stonehaven and the Mearns up towards Peterhead and Fraserburgh from 5am until 7pm on Saturday.

A rain and snow warning is also in place for Saturday covering most of Aberdeenshire from 4am on Saturday until 9am on Sunday.

SEPA have also issued a flood alert for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, with the combination of rain and snow melt expected cause river levels to rise throughout Saturday and into Sunday.

The warning adds: "Some localised watercourse flooding impacts are possible and there is also a risk of surface water flooding during this period.

"Typical impacts include localised flooding to low-lying land and roads and isolated property flooding is also possible. Flooding may impact the transport network with difficult driving conditions likely where surface water flooding is present on roads."

Sunrise over the partially frozen River Dee near Balmoral, Aberdeenshire
Sunrise over the partially frozen River Dee near Balmoral, Aberdeenshire -Credit:Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said Storm Bert was a "multi-hazard event," adding: "We’re looking at strong winds, some high snowfall accumulation, heavy rain, all in various different parts of the UK.

"So it’s quite a complex weather set-up for the weekend. Generally speaking, it’s a very unsettled weekend of weather ahead."

He also advised the public to keep an eye on the weather in their areas. "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.

"Obviously, with snow and ice there could be some pretty tricky conditions, especially in the morning (on Saturday), so if you are going to leave the house pay attention to what’s going on in your area with the local authorities."

It follows a cold snap which caused schools to close throughout the UK. Scotland remained the worst affected, with at least 27 schools in Aberdeenshire shut on Friday while many others had delayed openings.

Forecasters are also warning of a "heavy" period of snow falling "in two to four hours" on both high and lower levels. Met Office meteorologist Aiden McGivern said anyone with travel plans on should reconsider.

"All the ingredients there for some very tricky conditions, certainly if you've got travel plans. I would stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings and traffic information. And if you can delay those travel plans, it would be strongly advised."

RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson warned drivers to be aware of "rapidly changing conditions" on the roads because of Storm Bert.

"Persistent downpours will lead to areas of standing water, so it’s important to keep speeds down as the risk of losing control through aquaplaning on a thin layer of water is far greater," she said.

"Drivers should also be very wary of puddles as they can sometimes hide dangerous potholes beneath that can cause expensive damage to vehicles.

"Strong winds increase the risk of debris falling into the road which makes journeys more challenging, particularly in exposed coastal areas where drivers might be at risk of being buffeted off course.

"Routes in Scotland, especially rural ones, look likely to face disruption from fresh snow that is forecast on Friday and Saturday. We encourage motorists to stick to major roads where possible and take extra care in the worst-affected areas.

"Those who have to drive should stay tuned to weather forecasts and allow plenty of time to de-ice and de-mist your vehicle, as it’s dangerous and illegal to drive looking out of a small gap in a frozen windscreen."

How should I prepare?

The Met Office has issued the following advice in the lead up to Storm Bert hitting the region:

  • Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

  • People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

  • If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

  • Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

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