Storm Bert to unleash 'multi-hazard event' across UK with snow, gale and rain warnings issued

The Met Office has issued a series of weather warnings as Storm Bert is set to bring a "multi-hazard event" to the UK following a cold snap that is causing havoc on our roads. Storm Bert, expected to hit the UK on Saturday, is predicted to bring "heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend", potentially causing travel disruption and flooding.

Yellow wind, rain and snow warnings cover much of the rest of the UK. Rain warnings are in place for 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.

The Met Office warns of "danger to life" along coastlines in the south, resulting from large waves, flying debris and beach material being picked up by wind gusts of up to 70mph. Forecasters say: "South or southwesterly gales, locally severe gales are likely to affect many southern counties of England from Saturday afternoon until Sunday night.

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"The strongest gusts will be along coasts with gusts 60-70 mph possible around exposed headlands, while elsewhere gusts of 50-60 mph are possible, even for some inland locations."

An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in effect from 7am to 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. This warning covers parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire and some of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon described Storm Bert as a "multi-hazard event": "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 warned the public to stay informed about the local weather. "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."

This comes after a cold spell forced closures of schools across the country. Devon saw at least 37 school closures and Dorset had three.

RAC Breakdown's spokeswoman Alice Simpson urged drivers to be cautious saying, "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.

"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."