'Rural areas may be cut off' Met Office warns as Shropshire set to be battered by Storm Bert

The Met Office has warned that travel disruption, powercuts and flooding is likely as the storm will sweep across the country with heavy rain and strong winds. Forecasters said there is a likely chance some rural communities could become cut off as a result.

Weather warnings are in place every day until Sunday – including seven on Saturday.

Yellow weather warnings for snow and rain in place from Saturday morning to Sunday morning (November 23 /24) - with residents in much of Scotland, northeast and northwest England, the West Midlands and Yorkshire being warned that there could be a danger to life as snow quickly thaws to rain.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: "Storm Bert marks a shift to much milder air and wintry hazards will gradually diminish through the weekend, but heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday, especially over higher ground, and warnings are in place.

"Heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday, especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some with a number of warnings in place. In addition, rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate impacts and bring the potential for travel disruption, as well as flooding for some."