Scotland continues to endure the wrath of Storm Bert, with high winds, heavy rain, and lingering snow causing widespread disruptions. The storm, now in its third day, has prompted travel warnings, road closures, and a heightened risk of flooding across the region.
Weather Warnings and Flood Alerts
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain in northwest Scotland, lasting until midnight on Monday. Gusts reaching 50 mph (80 km/h) are expected, alongside rainfall amounts of 50 to 70mm in the Highlands, with even greater totals over higher terrain.
BBC Weather’s Helen Willetts noted the compounding risks: “Combined with melting snow, there is the risk of flooding.” The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued flood warnings in several areas, including:
- Strath Oykel
- Strathglass
- Moy Bridge
Major Disruptions to Travel
Travel across Scotland has been severely impacted:
- Rail Services: ScotRail imposed speed restrictions on several routes, leading to extended journey times. Additionally, the Inverness to Perth line remains closed after a chemical spillage near Inverness.
- Roads: The Tay Road Bridge is open only to cars, with the pedestrian walkway shut due to strong winds.
- Ferries: CalMac ferries reported delays on most routes and cancellations affecting many West Coast services.
Saturday’s snowfall brought the central belt to a standstill, disrupting public transport and forcing the cancellation of various sporting events. For the first time since 2021, the Queensferry Crossing was closed, with falling ice posing a significant danger.
Broader UK Impacts
While Scotland battles stormy conditions, the effects of Storm Bert are being felt nationwide:
- Wales: South Wales has seen some of the worst impacts, with floods described as “absolutely devastating” by Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan.
- Rail Closures: Great Western Railway warned passengers not to travel, as key routes linking London to Wales and the west of England are closed.
Elsewhere, routes through Stansted Airport and Northampton are also severely disrupted.
The Unfolding Storm
As Storm Bert continues to batter Scotland and beyond, the combination of snow, rain, and wind has left communities grappling with treacherous conditions. The storm’s relentless progression serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and far-reaching impacts of extreme weather.
