Hurricane Bertha: Live updates as Britain braces itself for arrival of tropical storm
Parts of the UK have already been battered by high winds and heavy rain - but experts have warned us to batten down the hatches before Bertha arrives
Ladbrokes have said it's odds-on at 1/2 for Bertha to hit UK shores before Monday
10:11 am
Environment Minister George Eustice said steps are being taken to ensure the country was ready for the potential onslaught
He said: "We are working closely with the Flood Forecasting Centre, the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and emergency services to ensure we are prepared for any potential flooding this weekend.
"I urge people to remain vigilant and pay close attention to advice from the Environment Agency and emergency services."
10:07 am
There are reports that Bertha is heading for Ireland
9:53 am
9:46 am
DL Hornberger filmed this ominous looking cloud over the M60 motorway.
9:44 am
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service received 50 calls in just over an hour and several motorists needed to be rescued from submerged cars yesterday, The Yorkshire Post reports.
9:35 am
Some forecasters have expressed fears Bertha could echo last year’s St Jude Day Storm, when 99mph winds and flash flooding left four people dead.
Jonathan Powell, a forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, told the Daily Express: “The jet stream is acting like a meteorological tennis racket and will whack Bertha right across the UK.
“We are looking at a possible repeat of St Jude with some very disruptive gales and torrential downpours right across the country.”
9:24 am
People are being warned of the dangers of using the flooding as a chance to take a dip
9:06 am
Martin Bird has posted this clip showing heavy flooding in Bar Hill, Cambridgeshire
8:56 am
Met Office Deputy Chief Operational Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale explains how the storm is being tracked and how things could pan out if it hits Britain
8:50 am
The Met Office is urging people to keep up to date with changing forecasts as it remains unclear how much of the UK will be affected.
Chief Meteorologist, Eddy Carroll, said: "There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding this weekend's weather, with the potential for heavy rainfall and strong coastal winds, along with large waves.
"However, there is a chance that the system may pass to the south of the country, or spread heavy rain even further north. Rain and strong winds may well bring disruption, especially in the south, and people should stay up to date with the latest Met Office warnings."
8:41 am
One North Wales resident has said she can already feel conditions changing as Bertha makes her way across the Atlantic towards the UK
8:30 am
More than a month's rain fell across parts of the UK overnight as the country dealt with flash flooding.
Further wet and windy weather is expected tomorrow when the remnants of Hurricane Bertha are expected to hit the UK.
Eastern England was worst affected by heavy downpours, with some areas seeing more than two inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period.
Several streets were left underwater and residents evacuated from their homes in the Lincolnshire town of Louth, while downpours also led to waterlogged roads in Maidstone, Kent.
8:09 am
The Environment Agency currently has only one 'Flood Warning' in place - which requires immediate action.
This is the village of Sinnington in the North East where the River Seven is expected to rise dramatically.
It was expected to peak at around 1.1metres overnight.
Here's some footage of the extraordinarily heavy rain from a Tesco in Cambridgeshire last night.
Shopper Roxann Frost, who took the video, told Cambridge News rainwater started coming through the roof.
She told the newspaper: “I was shopping with my mum and we just heard this massive bang.
“Water was suddenly pouring down and I just looked and the restaurant was just completely flooded.
“Staff were running around like headless chickens - they didn’t seem to know what to do.”
7:40 am
The A14 in Cambridge has suffered some of the worst flooding.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary last night warned motorists to avoid the area.
The force has shared this message on Facebook: "There is a large amount of surface water and localised flooding in March, Wisbech, Dry Drayton and Bar Hill.
The force has shared this message on Facebook: "There is a large amount of surface water and localised flooding in March, Wisbech, Dry Drayton and Bar Hill.
"Traffic is extremely slow moving on parts of the A14 and surrounding roads due to the surface water.
"We are assisting partner agencies including the Highways Agency, Fire and Rescue Service, Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council with road closures, evacuating residents and pulling vehicles out of flood water.
"We are urging people not to go out in a vehicle unless absolutely necessary and also not to call 999 unless it is a real emergency where life is at risk.
"We do not have a stock of sandbags so please do not call 999 requesting any."
6:58 am
People across the country are planning how to cope with Bertha if and when the storm arrives.
Camping out doesn't seem the most sensible of plans this weekend.
However, this chap seems to have put some thought into how he will deal with the discomfort!
6:30 am
BREAKING:
The remnants of Bertha could hit the South West TONIGHT.
By the end of today heavy rain and strong winds will move across the region Sky News reports.
More to follow.
6:13 am
A severe weather warning will apply to large parts of the UK on Sunday.
The south could be hardest hit as the remains of Bertha reaches British shores.
5:09 am
The floods which hit parts of Britain yesterday were bad, but there are fears far worse awaits the UK this weekend when Bertha hits.
Still, as this video shows, heavy rain can play havoc for motorists and residents alike.
5:00 am
This satellite footage follows Hurrican Bertha from its appearance off the coast of South America, as it goes through the Caribbean and heads through the Atlantic in our direction.
Let's hope she peters out before she reaches our shores.
4:49 am
A police warning from late yesterday still applies, as excess water lays deep on many roads.
West Yorkshire Police would like to advise people only to travel if it is an emergency tonight. The Police and... http://t.co/kb07e2CbfH
— Ponte & Knott (@WYP_PonteKnott) August 8, 2014
4:46 am
Sunday looks to be the day the worst of Bertha will hit the UK.
The Met Office has issued a yellow "be aware" weather warning for England, Wales and part of Scotland.
4:17 am
One resident in Castleford made the most of it by trying out a little fishing in the town centre.
This policeman doesn't look too amused though!
I thought you were in bed lol ......... @lkbsignwizard ........Yes this is really happening in Castleford pic.twitter.com/p0LXX3lS7i" >>> ☔”
— Gemma (@lbpiglet) August 8, 2014
4:14 am
Castleford in West Yorkshire was one of severe places to be hit by torrential rain.
The area was also hit by an electrical storm.
Bridge Street, Castleford! pic.twitter.com/jcPgpSXWH5
— Graham West (@grahamwest) August 9, 2014
4:13 am
Welcome to our live blog bringing you all the latest news on the progress of Hurricane Bertha as Britain prepares for the storm's arrival.
The UK has already been hammered by rain and winds - causing flooding in several areas.
Forecasters - including former BBC weatherman Michael Fish - have warned up all to prepare ourselves as Bertha charges across the Atlantic in our direction.
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