Disruptions Persist Following Storm Bert

Travel disruptions attributed to Storm Bert were ongoing on Monday morning. Additionally, power failures impacted residences throughout East and West Sussex and Kent, encompassing over 600 customers in Robertsbridge and further areas of Arundel. A yellow wind warning had been issued for the South East during the weekend, resulting in alterations to scheduled events and transportation delays. As of Monday morning, weather warnings and flood alerts persisted in various other regions of the country. UK Power Networks reported that approximately 600 customers in Aylesham and Denton, Kent, experienced either low voltage or a complete loss of supply starting around 03:45 GMT, attributed to an overhead network fault. Furthermore, power was disconnected for 44 customers in Otford, Kent, at 07:55 for safety purposes to facilitate repairs to a damaged overhead power line, as stated by UK Power Networks. Residents in the vicinity of Wych Cross, East Sussex, encountered reduced water pressure or a complete absence of water supply, stemming from a power outage at South East Water’s operational site, which was caused by the storm. Matthew Dean, the company’s head of operations for Sussex, confirmed that power had been reinstated and the network was “recharging”. Southern indicated that some of its services in the South East might experience disruptions until approximately midday, including a “very reduced” service operating between Portsmouth and Barnham in West Sussex until after 10:00. The train operator also specified that an hourly service would run between Epsom Downs and London Victoria until after 10:00, and between Uckfield and London Bridge throughout the morning. South Western Railway reported that trains were operating at a reduced speed on the route towards Ascot because of a precarious tree located at Frimley. The company further stated that services across its network commenced later than scheduled due to safety inspections, and trains are currently running at a slower pace on all lines. DFDS Seaways experienced delays on its routes between Dover and Calais, and between Dover and Dunkerque, attributed to strong winds in the Channel, as confirmed by the operator; however, these conditions have since improved. East Sussex Highways reported receiving over 80 service calls throughout the weekend concerning fallen trees. The Environment Agency has issued four flood alerts for Surrey, specifically for Chertsey Bourne, the Lower River Colne and Frays River, the River Blackwater and The Cove Brook, and the Upper River Wey. Individuals are advised to refrain from using low-lying footpaths adjacent to local watercourses. During the early hours of Monday morning, National Highways temporarily halted traffic on the A3 between Hindhead and Milford to remove flood water from the roadway, with all lanes reopening at 00:30. The A3 southbound between Kingston and Esher also became accessible again at approximately 6:40, having been initially closed an hour prior due to “severe” flooding in the vicinity, according to National Highways. On Sunday evening, the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service announced that it had taken in numerous animals that sustained injuries attributable to Storm Bert. The organization requested that individuals residing near the coast remain vigilant for birds that may have been harmed by the storm. Canterbury Cathedral communicated via X that the cathedral and its surrounding precincts would be inaccessible until 12:00 because of the storm’s impact, though its lunchtime prayer service was still scheduled to occur. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.