Storm Bert named by Met Office as snow and rain to batter UK

Storm Bert has been named by the Met Office as heavy rain, snow and strong winds are set to hit large parts of the UK this weekend. A number of weather warnings have been issued for Saturday and Sunday.

Ahead of Storm Bert, a yellow weather warning has been issued for snow and ice which covers the whole of Merseyside from 12pm today (Thursday) until 10am on Friday. A further weather warning for rain, snow and wind is in place for Lancashire and Greater Manchester on Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures are set to reach lows of -3°C in Liverpool on Saturday when heavy rain is forecast. 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.

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“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.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a number of amber and yellow Cold health alerts covering the whole of England. This alert system is aimed at health and social care professionals and anyone with a role in reducing health impacts caused by extended periods of cold weather.

The Met Office forecast for the North West on Saturday through to Monday said: "Wet and windy on Saturday with heavy persistent rain, sleet and snow, mainly over the hills. Drier overall on Sunday but often cloudy with further rain on Monday. Milder."

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year. With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.

“Drivers should ensure their tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure to give them the best possible grip on the road. It’s best to stick to major roads, rather than rural areas where surfaces may not be gritted, reduce speeds and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front to ensure you have more time to stop.

"Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”