Storm Bert Prompts Flood Alerts and Rail Disruptions

Flood alerts have been issued across Surrey due to elevated river levels resulting from Storm Bert. The Met Office has put in place a yellow warning for wind, effective until 21:00 GMT, with gusts potentially reaching up to 50mph (80km/h) in certain areas. Officials cautioned that interruptions to rail, road, air, and ferry services were probable, alongside potential damage to structures, power outages, and a risk to life. Both the Upper River Wey and Chertsey Bourne have received a flood alert from the Environment Agency. Authorities indicated that the inundation of low-lying land and roads is anticipated in the Free Prae Road area of Chertsey and the Tilford area. Further precipitation is expected, and river levels are projected to remain high, with a possibility of increasing, over the coming days. The Environment Agency has advised the public to avoid using low-lying footpaths situated near local watercourses. Property flooding is not currently foreseen. Surrey Police also urged residents to “stay safe”. A spokesperson stated, “The storm may cause fallen trees, debris, power cuts, road closures and delays to public transport.” Meanwhile, some Southern rail services are expected to face cancellations or delays due to the severe weather until 10:00 on Monday. A fallen tree was obstructing the line between Ashtead and Leatherhead at approximately 10:00, causing services bound for Dorking to either terminate or commence at Epsom. Services operating between Epsom and Dorking have now resumed their normal schedule. Additionally, all lines from Cobham and Stoke D’abernon to Oxshott were also blocked by a fallen tree. Painshill Gardens in Cobham was closed on Sunday due to the forecasted high winds, however, a Festive Family Fun Day in Guildford on Sunday proceeded as planned. Guildford councillor Catherine Houston mentioned that as many activities as feasible had been relocated indoors. She added: “It is all happening. Luckily we have got some indoor places people can go and hopefully the rain will stop for a little bit and people can get out and about.” RHS Garden Wisley closed for the day, and its Glow event was cancelled to “ensure the safety of all our visitors, staff and volunteers”. A spokesperson conveyed, “We are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this is likely to cause.” The Met Office indicated that the strong winds were likely to create “dangerous coastal conditions”. Officials warned of a slight chance of injuries from flying debris and from large waves and beach material being propelled onto sea fronts, coastal roads, and properties. More than 200 flood alerts have been activated across the UK, while approximately 350,000 homes experienced power loss, though most have since been reconnected. For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.