By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - The UK's weather agency Met Office on Saturday issued a series of national severe weather warnings as Storm Bert sweeps across the UK, bringing a "multiple hazard event" with snow, ice, heavy rain, and gale-force winds.
The storm has already caused significant travel disruption and heightened risks of flooding, with authorities urging caution over the weekend.
Parts of northern England and Scotland are bracing for several hours of heavy snowfall on Saturday morning, according to Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern.
Lower levels are expected to see accumulations of 5 to 10 cm (1.9 to 3.9 inches), while higher altitudes could receive between 20 and 40 cm of snow.
Accompanying strong winds are likely to create blizzard conditions over hills, with travel becoming "atrocious" and a risk of power outages caused by snow-laden power lines.
"We’ll see two to four hours of heavy snow... thick and fast," McGivern said. "This will lead to blizzards over hills across northern England and Scotland, atrocious conditions for traveling, and the risk of power interruptions."
- Widespread disruption
National Highways has issued a severe weather alert for snow across Yorkshire and north-east England from 5 am to 3 pm on Saturday. The A628 road in Yorkshire was closed overnight in both directions, and rail companies have urged passengers to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas, warning of reduced services.
Ferry services have also been impacted, with operator CalMac on Scotland's west coast canceling several sailings on Saturday and warning of further disruptions.
In addition to snow and wind, heavy rain is increasing the risk of flooding, with 16 flood alerts issued across the country.
The combination of snowmelt and prolonged rainfall may exacerbate flood conditions in low-lying areas.
Authorities are urging people to avoid travel where possible and to stay updated with the latest weather warnings.
Drivers are advised to carry emergency kits if traveling in affected areas and to plan routes carefully to avoid potential hazards.