Storm Bert will arrive in the UK tomorrow (Image: Getty)
The Met Office has issued weather warnings with 70mph winds set to batter Britain.
Storm Bert, the second storm of the year, was named yesterday by the national forecaster, who reported that there would be heavy snowfall and rain as well as fast winds across the country this weekend.
There are weather warnings in place on Saturday covering southwest England, Wales, Northern Ireland, north England, and all of Scotland. They are mostly yellow for rain, snow and wind.
There is one amber weather warning in place over the Grampians in Scotland for snow and ice, warning of powercuts, travel delays, impassable paths and slip risks.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued amber and yellow Cold Health Alerts covering the whole of England. The amber are from the midlands and East Anglia northwards, south of this are yellow warnings.
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UK households urged to buy 7 items before snow storms on Saturday
The advises that people should prepare in the event of being cut off due to disruption. It says: “People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”, in its advice on preparing for heavy snow, says UK households should have 7 key items ready, including spare batteries, drinking water, extra blankets and a phone charger.
It says: “That’s things like medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food and snacks, and extra blankets. You should also keep a torch, batteries and a phone charger close by too.”
There’s one thing you ‘must do’ if you’re walking a dog this weekend
If you’re planning to take your dog out for a walk in the frosty weather, there’s an important safety measure you need to take.
user Alex (@nuggypup), who shares her life with her Nugget on the platform, advises in a video: “If you’re walking your dog out in the snow today, make sure you do this one thing when you get home.”
She explains that the grit used during snowy conditions “can be toxic to dogs and can also irritate their paws”, so it’s vital to give them a thorough wipe down upon returning home.
According to the RSPCA, rock salt can be a danger to pets such as cats and dogs “if they lick it from their paws or fur”. It states: “Most cases [of rock salt poisoning] involve animals that have walked through gritted snow and then lick or chew it off their paws as they can find it irritating.”
Parts of UK could see 15 inches of snow
Parts of the UK could be hammered with as much as 15 inches of snow in the days ahead, forecasters warn.
Northern Scotland looks set for the worst of the frosty conditions, with 1ft 4in (40cm) of snow.
Five inches (15cm) of rain has been forecast for most of Wales, as well as parts of Devon and Cornwall.
Three inches (7.5cm) of rainfall is expected quite widely within the warning areas, but in excess of four inches (10cm) is possible over high ground in parts of Wales and southwest England.
Full list of regions affected by Storm Bert
At least 14 UK regions – and dozens of local authorities – are subject to a variety of weather alerts across Saturday and Sunday.
‘Amber’ alert for snow and ice – Saturday, 7am – 5pm
Central, Tayside & Fife Grampian Highlands & Eilean Siar Strathclyde
‘Yellow’ warnings for wind – Saturday, 5am – 7pm
Central, Tayside & Fife Grampian Highlands & Eilean Siar North East England North West England Northern Ireland SW Scotland, Lothian Borders Strathclyde Wales Yorkshire & Humber Highlands & Eilean Siar Northern Ireland
‘Yellow’ warning for Rain and snow – Saturday 4am until Sunday 9am
Central, Tayside & Fife East Midlands Grampian Highlands & Eilean Siar North East England North West England SW Scotland, Lothian Borders Strathclyde West Midlands Yorkshire & Humber
Yellow warnings for rain – Saturday, 6am until Sunday, 6am
Wales West Midlands London & South East England South West England
Weather warnings covering the UK
There are weather warnings in place on Saturday covering southwest England, Wales, Northern Ireland, north England, and all of Scotland. They are mostly yellow for rain, snow and wind.
There is one amber weather warning in place over the Grampians in Scotland for snow and ice, warning of powercuts, travel delays, impassable paths and slip risks.
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Heavy rain and snow expected
Heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday (November 23), especially over higher ground.
There will also be heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday (November 24), especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some.
The expects 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.
Good afternoon
Welcome to this live blog. Follow along for updates on Storm Bert.