With Storm Bert to bring chaos across the country this weekend amid milder temperatures and higher winds, excessive rainfall is likely to result in flooding across parts of the UK.
Although many areas are still battling against sub-zero temperatures, the rise in climate is set to cause further weather disruptions. The storm is set to bring heavy downpours, alongside a further warning for snow and ice on Saturday, November 23.
The weather warning is set to be in place from 7am until 5pm as Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow which will turn into rain, leading to some disruption towards the weekend. The worst of the weather is set to hit the bordering areas of Peth, including Pitlochry and Kingussie.
Heavy snow will spread northeastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas. Upto 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40 cm on hills above 400m according to the Met Office.
Matthew Harwood, Confused.com home insurance expert comments: “Storm Bert is expected to bring strong winds and flooding to parts of the UK this weekend. And this may cause damage to homes and gardens for many around the country.
“Our research found that insurers paid out more than £76 million in 2022 for storm damage-related claims. And as climate change continues, the risk of flood and storm damage is likely to increase.
“And in comparison with the £29.9 million paid out in 2019, it’s clear that as climate change continues, the risk of flood and storm damage is likely to increase.
“With more homeowners potentially facing damage issues, taking note of these steps before making a claim should help make for a smooth process.”
Steps to take in result of home damage
- Get in touch with your insurer as they can advise on what your policy covers and the next steps
- Have a thorough inspection of the house, taking photos of any damage and recording the date and time
- Keep any damaged items for proof so that insurers can assess the extent of damage
Mr Harwood continued: “You might already have cover for flood damage in your buildings and contents insurance, but the level of cover could vary. So it’s worth checking with your provider. If you’re not sure, our guide to whether your home is covered against storm damage should help. And don’t worry, if you think might need more protection in the future, you could add flood insurance to an existing policy or take it out separately.”
Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places, adding to the ice risk. Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely on Saturday night as milder air moves in.
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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.
“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.”
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