Storm Bert Causes Extensive Disruption to Rail and Road Networks

Storm Bert has led to the suspension of train services connecting London and the West, attributed to flooding and fallen trees. Great Western Railway (GWR) issued advice to passengers, recommending against travel and stating that tickets would be honored on Monday or Tuesday. However, the company urged travelers to verify service status prior to departure, noting that the flooding “may continue.” Separately, the Environment Agency issued a total of 14 flood warnings for areas within Somerset, four for Wiltshire, and 11 for Gloucestershire. National Highways reported that flooding resulted in the closure of the northbound M32 in Bristol, specifically between junction 1 and the M4. The A40 westbound experienced closure between the M5 and A417 near Gloucester because of flooding, with Gloucester Police present at the location and alternative routes established. GWR announced the indefinite suspension of services operating from South Wales via Bristol Parkway to London, as well as those between Bristol Temple Meads, Swindon, and London. The company stated that its personnel were “working hard” to facilitate the reopening of the affected lines. GWR communicated in a statement posted on X that “Disruption is expected to continue for the rest of the day.” Furthermore, the railway line connecting Westbury and Weymouth was closed because of a fallen tree, which obstructed the track at Yeovil Pen Mill. Several businesses, such as Longleat Safari Park located near Warminster and Cotswold Park Farm in Cheltenham, ceased operations on Sunday in response to the yellow weather warnings. Concurrently, both Wiltshire Police and Gloucestershire Constabulary advised individuals to undertake travel solely when essential. Among the roads closed on Sunday afternoon due to flooding was the A3102, situated between Lyneham and Tockenham in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Police reported on Sunday evening that they were addressing multiple “minor” accidents and instances of flooding on the A419, specifically within the Blunsdon and Stratton St Margaret areas of Swindon. These events occurred as properties experienced power outages and drivers encountered travel disruptions throughout the region. In Somerset, the A3088 near Yeovil was closed between the junction for Montacute and the Garadore roundabout, following a five-vehicle collision that involved an overturned tanker. Cineworld at Shaw Ridge, Swindon, announced its necessity to “temporarily close” as a consequence of Storm Bert’s impact. In a statement, management apologized for the inconvenience and confirmed that “Any customers whose screenings were cancelled will be automatically refunded.” Avon and Somerset Police reported that officers responded to the collision around 06:30 GMT on Sunday, and two individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries deemed not life-threatening or life-changing. Newerne Street in Lydney, Gloucestershire, was closed on Sunday afternoon because of flooding. The travel monitoring website Inrix indicated that in Gloucestershire, the A4136 is closed in both directions due to flooding between the Yew Tree and Old Hill. The M48 Severn Bridge also experienced closure in both directions due to strong winds, but has since become operational again. In Longhope, within the Forest of Dean, the A48 was closed in both directions on Sunday because of flooding. Citing a significant flooding risk, Lydney Practice announced its closure for Monday. The surgery intends to contact patients with scheduled appointments to facilitate alternative arrangements. In Gloucester, both the Quays Ice Rink and the Hempsted Household Recycling Centre are closed, as is the Flight Before Christmas grotto event at Cotswold Airport. Several trees were reported to have fallen in Pittville Park in Cheltenham. First Bus West of England indicated that services operating across Bristol and the West “may experience delays, last-minute cancellations or diversions.” Henbury Ford in Bristol is closed due to flooding, leading to bus services 1 and 2 being rerouted via Crow Lane, Old Crow Roundabout, and Rugby Club. Bus service 3 is undergoing diversion along Station Road. In Wiltshire, approximately 1,900 individuals are without electricity, as reported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). Wiltshire Police is advising residents to reserve 999 calls for emergencies only, and is directing those needing to report road obstructions and debris to contact local authorities or National Highways. The force stated, “We are currently receiving a high number of calls related to the weather such as fallen trees or debris in the road.” It further advised, “Please only travel when necessary. Be careful on the roads and adjust speeds and braking distances accordingly.” The police force also mentioned that it was awaiting a tanker to clear the A350, which remains closed in both directions between Bumpers Farm roundabout and Cepen Way South roundabout due to widespread flooding. Motorists are being instructed to seek alternative routes. Longleat Safari Park announced its reopening for Monday, having been closed over the weekend for safety considerations. The attraction confirmed that guests who had booked to attend the Festival of Light would receive refunds. Scott Ashman, head of operations, stated: “Our teams have been working hard to clear roads and train track, rebuilding fences as well as securing and repairing the lanterns for The Festival of Light.“ He added that “Refunds are still being processed and this will continue as a priority over the next couple of days.” Flooding has also been reported in the Malmesbury, Crudwell, Norton, and Sherston areas. In Swindon, the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service reported the closure of Maxwell Street and Lorne Street until further notice, citing an unsafe building. It further advised, “Please avoid the area.” Concurrently, Somerset Council stated that its teams had been “busy overnight responding to reports” concerning over 30 fallen trees and various flooded areas. The council requested, “Please bear with us today as we’re dealing with a high call volumes and will be prioritising main roads.” It also urged motorists to avoid driving through floodwater and to exercise caution when traveling.