Storm Bert: Man dies and 10 rescued after landslide as 'multiple-hazard event' causes chaos around UK

A man has died and 10 people, including five children, have been rescued after a landslide as Storm Bert batters the UK.

A "multi-hazard event" of snow, rain and strong winds caused chaos and disruption on Saturday, with several weather warnings set to remain in place all weekend.

Separate yellow weather warnings for wind are expected to come into force from 11am on Sunday across Northern Ireland and from midday across the Scottish Highlands, with the Met Office warning delays to rail, air and ferry transport are likely.

Hampshire Police said a man in his 60s died after a tree fell on to a car on the A34 southbound near Winchester on Saturday morning.

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The force said it was investigating whether the incident was linked to the weather. A yellow warning for rain and wind was in place across the area.

In North Wales, five adults and five children were rescued from a house after a landslide.

A spokesman from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Services said all 10 people were being assessed by ambulance crews away from the scene in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen.

A further landslide was reported in the area, but it is understood no one else was affected.

In Ireland, at least 11,000 properties were without power going into the evening due to the impact of the storm.

Electricity company ESB Networks said earlier on Saturday at least 60,000 homes, farms, and businesses had been left without power due to the weather.

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"Crews will continue working late into the evening to restore power to most customers currently without supply," it said.

"While we are doing everything we can, it is anticipated that some customers will be without supply overnight."

The National Grid's Electricity Distribution network which connects directly to homes and businesses in the Midlands, South West England and South Wales, confirmed there were 4,345 properties without power.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said his department would be "keeping in close touch with the energy companies".

A Met Office spokesperson said winds of up to 82mph were recorded in Wales and 13cm of snow fell in Staffordshire on the first day of the weekend.

Two areas in Ireland were issued a rare red warning for heavy rain, which expired at 10am.

London, East Anglia, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Hull and swathes of the Midlands are the only parts of the UK with no current weather warnings in place.

The weather also brought significant disruption to attractions and events, with Edinburgh Zoo and Glasgow Christmas Market closed on Saturday.

Also in Scotland, Perth and Kinross Council cancelled its annual Perth Christmas lights switch-on event over safety and travel concerns.

Blackburn Rovers postponed their Championship match against Portsmouth due to "torrential rain" which made the pitch "unplayable".

A 'multiple-hazard event'

Met Office meteorologist Jason Kelly described Storm Bert as a "multiple-hazard event". Looking towards Sunday, he said rain is expected to become "particularly heavy and persistent".

Accumulations of 50-75mm are expected to fall across the UK, with some places experiencing up to 100-150mm, Mr Kelly said.

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He added: "Rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend may bring flooding for some. Multiple National Severe Weather Warnings are in place and will be added to and amended over the weekend."

Going into next week, the Met Office predicts sunny spells and showers.

The forecaster says rain and strong winds may reappear on Wednesday, spreading northeast across England and Wales.

What the weather warnings mean

• Yellow - people are advised to check the details of the forecast and consider extra steps to minimise any impact, while disruption is likely, particularly for travel

• Amber - disruption is more likely and more widespread and people are advised to change plans impacted by weather

• Red - reserved for very dangerous weather that can pose a danger to life and cause substantial travel disruption

(c) Sky News 2024: Storm Bert: Man dies and 10 rescued after landslide as 'multiple-hazard event' causes chaos around UK