Storm Bert batters Britain with strong winds and snow

One man has died after tree fell on his car as Storm Bert battered the UK with heavy rain, strong winds and snow, causing widespread disruption.

- TARA COBHAM

Winds of up to 70mph battered the country and severe downpours caused flooding, with UK power chiefs warning the worst of the weather is still yet to come.

Yesterday morning, a man in his 60s died after a tree fell on a car on the A34 highway in southern England. Hampshire Police said officers were called just before 8am to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall and found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 dead at the scene.

Tens of thousands of homes have been without power, with 4,000 homes affected in the Midlands, southwest England and South Wales and 27,000 customers affected in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

Ross Easton, of Energy Networks Association (ENA), which represents the UK’s power network operators, said: “There are a few localised weather-related power cuts in parts of Britain this morning. However, for most parts of the country the severe weather hasn’t yet had a significant impact. Forecasters are describing this as a ‘multi-hazard event’ with the worst of the weather yet to arrive.”

Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly warned the storm was expected to bring snow, rain and wind to Britain for most of the weekend.

The forecaster has issued yellow weather warnings in many parts of the country, while more than 100 flood alerts are in place across the UK.