Storm Bert: Floods disrupt travel across the country

26/11/2024 | CHRIS AMES

Storm Bert: Floods disrupt travel across the country

Roads and rail services in England and Wales continued to be hit on Monday by disruption caused by flooding from Storm Bert, which first hit the UK at the weekend.

As of Monday lunchtime around 140 flood warnings were in place, with a severe ‘danger to life’ flood warning covering areas next to the River Nene in Northampton.

Disruption to rail services mainly hit routes between the Midlands and the west of England and London, as well as in Wales.

Great Western Railway gradually resumed services across its network through Monday, while flooding at Northampton caused severe disruption to London Northwestern Railway services and West Midlands Railway said flooding meant fewer trains would run between Birmingham New Street and London Euston.

Avanti West Coast also said flooding had affected its services through Northampton.

Transport for Wales said its rail services will be subject to ongoing disruption on Monday and ScotRail said travel restrictions on some routes were causing minor disruption.

A major incident was declared in Northamptonshire after heavy rainfall during Storm Bert caused significant flooding across the county and a severe flood warning was in place on Monday, with Northamptonshire Police warning against ‘all unnecessary travel’.

The BBC reported that a high school bus in Evesham, Worcestershire became stuck in floodwater on the B4080 near Eckington Bridge. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service rescued 57 children and a driver using two boats, with no injuries.

It said the county had experienced road disruptions on the A5, which is closed in both directions.

Also on Monday, the Wiltshire town of Chippenham was flooded, with the High Street submerged by floodwater after the River Avon burst its banks. Police closed off the A4 Avenue La Fleche into the town centre from both directions.

Storm Bert hit the UK on Friday night and Saturday morning, with roads closed by snow, mainly in the North of England and Scotland, and flights disrupted at Newcastle airport.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Technician-Road Closures

£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technician - Road Closures (2 Posts)

£29,719 - £31,691
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic, an excellent team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bridge Engineer - WMF2219e

£42,839 - £44,075
We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Bridge Engineer Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Public Transport Officer

£42,839 - £46,142
We are looking for an experienced public transport professional to become our Senior Public Transport Officer. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) (Fixed-Term)

£48,226-£51,356
We are looking for an experienced professional to join as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 to £25,989 per annum
The Waste and Street Scene department requires enthusiastic and committed mobile street cleansing operative. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Technician - Highways Design (2 Posts)

Grade 10 £35,422 - 38,730 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Professional Services Section Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW