STORM Bert has battered Somerset since it made landfall this morning, with more disruption due on Sunday. 

The storm arrived overnight on Friday and caused widespread disruption on Saturday, November 23, 2024, with two Yellow Weather Warnings for rain and wind issued for Somerset.

Some parts of the county have seen rain levels of up to 75 millimetres and gusts of around 60 mph. The storm, alike others in the last few months, batters Somerset’s coastline, especially those areas in exposed places. 

Further inland, the Environment Agency has issued numerous flood alerts. It means flooding is possible on Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday in some places. You can find a full, updated roundup of the alerts by clicking here.

Storm Bert has caused widespread disruption for motorists and passengers in Somerset. Bus and train services have been cancelled, with some road closures – including the Severn Bridge, affecting motorists heading into and out of Wales.

Christmas events scheduled for Saturday evening - with lights switch-on and markets - have also been cancelled or scaled back. Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare, Chard and Taunton have all been affected, with many event organisers deciding not to take the chance with the wet and windy weather.

Heavy rain associated with Storm Bert is forecast until early Sunday morning. It means many of the catchments in Somerset wet following rainfall earlier in the week, as predicted by the Environment Agency. It also means roads will be flooded, making it challenging for motorists in the county.

Storm Bert is quite slow moving and only really clears from Monday. The start of the week will continue to be unsettled, with strong winds and showers in the forecast.

People can expect more of the same on Sunday, November 24, 2024 as it will not be at least until the evening past 7pm that the weather begins to decrease in intensity.