Cleanup underway after Storm Bert's destruction

Monday, 25 November 2024 13:27

Littlehampton Christmas Tree - Credit: Michelle Molly

Cleanup efforts are in full swing after Storm Bert caused widespread disruption across the South over the weekend.

Power outages left homes in Selsey, Arundel, and nearly 600 customers in the Robertsbridge area without electricity.

In Worthing, strong winds brought down scaffolding behind a shop on Chandos Road on Saturday morning, prompting emergency services to respond.

Unstable scaffolding in Brighton caused safety concerns, leading to the closure of Cannon Street on Saturday night.

In Littlehampton, the storm toppled a large, illuminated Christmas tree, adding to the damage left in its wake.

Find out the latest on power cuts here Distribution Network Operator | UK Power Networks

What caused Storm Bert?

Storm Bert was driven by a powerful clash of atmospheric conditions, creating a deep area of low pressure that swept across the region with devastating effects. The storm originated over the Atlantic Ocean, where warm, moisture-laden air met a colder, denser air mass. This interaction fueled intense cyclonic activity, resulting in strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Jet stream patterns further amplified Storm Bert’s intensity. A particularly fast-moving and unstable jet stream steered the system towards the South of the UK, intensifying its speed and severity. Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, linked to ongoing climate patterns, likely contributed to the storm's enhanced energy, allowing it to carry more moisture and sustain higher wind speeds.

Such storms highlight the increasing unpredictability of extreme weather, with climate change potentially playing a role in the frequency and intensity of these systems, leaving regions like the South more vulnerable to future events.

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