Brutal Storm Bert's 70mph gales and lethal flooding leave Britain swamped

THE death toll from devastating Storm Bert rose to five yesterday, as parts of the country were flooded by a month's rainfall in 48 hours.

- Chris Riches

Motorways, homes and rail lines were submerged and a partly built bridge washed away in 70mph gusts.

A major incident was declared amid desperate scenes of people in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, bailing out homes and businesses as rivers burst their banks and streets turned to canals.

Power cuts left 350,000 homes in darkness and downed power cables shut the entire M56 in Manchester.

England has had 96 expected flood warnings and 205 alerts - meaning flooding is possible. Wales had two severe flood warnings, 52 warnings and 49 alerts. Scotland had five warnings and four alerts.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was receiving updates on the storm and added on X: "Thank you to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to protect communities - my thoughts are with those impacted."

The Royal Parks shut all nine of its London sites following warnings for torrential downpours and fierce gales.

Fencing at Rangers House, near Greenwich Park, South East London - the backdrop for TV period drama Bridgerton also took a pounding.

Communities were told to remain on high alert today, with more than 200 flood warnings in place for England, Wales and Scotland.

The Met Office says milder temperatures of 62F melted the snow covering the North and much of Scotland.

Meanwhile, hefty showers battering the country were worsened by high-speed gales.