Weather warnings and flood alerts in place for West Berkshire as Storm Bert rages

Weather warnings and flood alerts remain in place as Storm Bert continues to batter the district.

Two yellow warnings for both wind and rain are in force across West Berkshire and North Hampshire, with localised flooding being reported all across the area.

One lane of the A34 is currently closed due to flooding near Newbury.

The northbound carriageway is down to one lane at the junction with the M4 at Chieveley, confirmed National Highways.

The warning for strong winds caused by Storm Bert remains in place until 9pm tonight (Sunday), while the warning for heavy rain is in place until midnight.

The Met Office said gusts of up to 55mph could be experienced in some exposed areas.

It also warned that the heavy rain could cause travel disruption and flooding.

It advised people to check before travelling and be prepared for the possibility of power cuts.

Three flood alerts are also in place for West Berkshire.

A flood alert means that the Environment Agency believes flooding is possible and people should be prepared.

Flooding of homes in the three alert areas is not expected.

But flooding of low lying land and roads is expected.

There is an alert on the River Enborne from Gore End down to Aldermaston including the Ecchinswell Brook and the Kingsclere Brook; also the Foudry Brook and its tributaries from Scotsman's Green to Green Park including Stratfield Mortimer and Tadley on the Bishopswood Stream.

A further alert is in place on the River Kennet from Thatcham down to Reading, including Burghfield, Colthrop, Woolhampton, Aldermaston, Theale, Calcot and Southcote.

A final flood alert in the district is in place along the River Pang from East Ilsley to Pangbourne, including Compton, Hampstead Norreys, Frilsham, Bucklebury, Stanford Dingley, Bradfield and Tidmarsh; and the Sulham Brook from Theale to Pangbourne including Sulham.

Andy Page, a Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “Impacts from Storm Bert will continue to cause disruption as we go through today (Sunday), and multiple warnings are in place for wind and rain.

“While the risk of any snowfall has now diminished, rainfall will affect much of the UK today, in particular some southwestern parts of England and South Wales, but the heaviest rain will ease from these areas through the day.

“The strong southerly winds continue today and warnings are in place for central, southern and eastern England, Northern Ireland and western Scotland where gusts could peak at 60 mph and could even reach more than 70 mph along some exposed coasts.

“Warnings could still be amended, possibly at short notice, so it is important people keep up to date with the very latest forecast.”

Mark Nash, national network manager at National Highways, said: “With Storm Bert it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.

“A section of our website provides practical advice for travelling in storms, high winds and gales. It’s also a good idea for people to remember TRIP – Top-up your vehicle; Rest every two hours, Inspect tyres and lights and Prepare for the journey ahead.”

The Met Office said it expects Storm Bert to finally clear through the UK on Tuesday, with quieter weather expected next week.

“Although there is a risk of some further rain and strong winds across the south of the UK on Tuesday night and Wednesday,” it added.

“Looking further ahead, there are indications we could see a brief return to colder conditions although for many, but it will be drier than of late. How long the more settled conditions last is uncertain, with rain probably returning to westernmost areas at least by the end of the week.”