Storm Bert Prompts Flood Warnings and Disruptions Across Yorkshire

Flood warnings were put into effect following significant rainfall and melting snow, which led to a rapid increase in river levels across West Yorkshire as Storm Bert traversed the area. Twelve warnings were active along the River Calder near Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, where sirens were activated on Saturday afternoon. According to the Environment Agency, river levels in these locations reached their peak around 16:00 GMT, with residents advised to consider moving household valuables to higher floors. A yellow weather alert for rain is in effect for portions of West and South Yorkshire until 07:00 on Sunday. This wintry weather has caused travel disruptions and earlier left approximately 1,500 homes without electricity. The Environment Agency website reported that by 17:00 on Saturday, river levels at Todmorden and Hebden Bridge had surpassed 2.4m (7.9ft). In Mytholmroyd, the river level exceeded 4.3m. The agency indicated that property flooding was a possibility if levels rose above 4.4m. The Environment Agency stated: “Our focus of attention is the Calder Valley, where flood warnings have been issued and sirens sounded. “Minor impacts are possible more widely across Yorkshire, which may continue in places until Tuesday. The overall flood risk is low.” Teams are deployed on the ground, engaged in clearing grids and inspecting flood defence assets to ensure their readiness for any required response. The agency further advised: “Consider taking appropriate steps to prepare for possible flooding, such as moving things upstairs and getting flood protection equipment ready to put in place.” The A646 road was closed in both directions, from Shaw Wood Road in Todmorden to Church Lane in Hebden Bridge. Calderdale Council announced the closure of Centre Vale Park, located in Todmorden, to facilitate the opening of flood gates designed to help manage river levels. Members of the public were cautioned to avoid the area. Many pubs and businesses in Hebden Bridge were closed due to the potential for flooding. The Hebden Bridge Flood Action Group confirmed that the Town Hall was open to provide a warm and dry space for anyone who found themselves stranded. Josh Fenton-Glynn, the Member of Parliament for Calder Valley, was present in Hebden Bridge to engage with residents. He commented: “We have seen some flooding but we’re not as bad as 2020 or 2015. Hopefully if people are sensible and stay at home we’ll be OK.” Earlier in the day, heavy snowfall created difficulties for motorists. On the M1, one northbound lane was closed between Junction 38 for Huddersfield and Junction 39 for Wakefield. Social media images depicted a HGV that appeared to have slid down an embankment towards the motorway. West Yorkshire Police reported that the lorry driver was unharmed, and the road was reopened at 10:15 after the vehicle’s removal. Concurrently, Northern Powergrid reported that approximately 1,500 properties across North and West Yorkshire had experienced power loss. The company stated it had been “restoring power as quickly as we can” to those affected. The runway at Leeds Bradford Airport was shut earlier. This resulted in significant delays for several flights, while passengers traveling to Warsaw and Belfast had their flights cancelled. Some arriving flights were diverted to other airports. The train operator Northern also experienced disruptions. In sports, Bradford City’s match against Accrington Stanley and Halifax Town’s game with Sutton United were postponed. Scarborough Athletic’s fixture against Kidderminster Harriers was also called off. A separate flood alert covered “particularly exposed parts” of the East Yorkshire coastline between Bridlington and Barmston. Drivers and pedestrians in these areas were advised to proceed with caution.