Storm Bert Causes Widespread Disruption to Holiday Events and Travel

Yellow weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued as Storm Bert impacts the West of England. During a Christmas lights switch-on event at the Cheltenham Brewery, cladding from the adjacent Premier Inn building detached and struck a car. Reuben Spence, who witnessed the incident, reported that people were inside the vehicle at the time and that fire crews were present. Mr Spence commented, “I was planning on being there when the lights turned on and then going for a birthday meal with a friend. It’s kind of changed the course of the evening.” Concurrently, the M48 Severn Bridge has been closed in both directions, and South Western Railway has advised individuals to travel only if absolutely necessary, anticipating longer journey durations. The rain and wind warnings are valid until Sunday evening, with the South West region expected to receive up to 75mm (3in) of rain. The M48 Severn Bridge, which connects Gloucestershire and Wales, is typically shut when wind gusts exceeding 46mph are forecast. National Highways suggests utilizing the M4 Prince of Wales bridge as an alternative. National Highways in the South West has also urged drivers to reduce speed, maintain both hands on the steering wheel, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles on more exposed roads. In Wiltshire, the well-known Longleat estate ceased operations for visitors for the day. Scott Ashman, the estate’s head of operations, stated that despite it being the “busiest time of the year” for their Festival of Light, they were compelled to make the “tough decision” to close for safety reasons. He further explained, “We had to close due to the high wind speeds, especially with the large lantern structures currently on site.” Several modifications have been made to events in Swindon. The Christmas lights switch-on for the town centre has been postponed and is now scheduled for 30 November. The Christmas market will proceed, but on a smaller scale, with only the chalets operating. The lights switch-on for the Old Town area in Swindon has been moved to 1 December. Salisbury City Council announced that gazebos would not be permitted at the Charter Market due to the prevailing weather conditions. Reports of power outages have emerged in various parts of the region, including Somerset. Within the same county, Bishops Lydeard AFC confirmed that their cup match against Cully Rangers had been rescheduled for 3 December, attributing the change to heavy rainfall on an “already soaked pitch.” Christmas festivities in Gloucestershire have also experienced alterations; the lights will still be illuminated at 17:00 GMT in Moreton-in-Marsh, but the outdoor market has been deferred. In Cheltenham, certain singers and entertainers in the town centre will now perform indoors at Cav House, John Lewis, the Pump Rooms, and The Wilson. The Suffolks Christmas Market, originally scheduled for Sunday, has been called off. Taunton’s Winterfest event has been cancelled. The event’s organisers stated on Facebook, “The safety of our performers, contractors, traders, and all attendees is our top priority.” They further commented, “With weather warnings in place, this decision was not made lightly but was the only responsible choice.” Organisers also confirmed that the town’s Christmas lights would now be activated on Sunday. For updates, follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.