Storm Bert live: Man dies after tree falls on car as ‘worst weather yet to arrive’

WorldEnvironment
23 Nov 2024 • 10:35 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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A man has died in Hampshire after a tree fell on a car as Storm Bert brings power cuts, heavy snow and high winds to the UK.

Hampshire Police said it was called just before 8am this morning to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall and found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 dead at the scene.

Two severe amber weather alerts were issued in parts of Scotland and England, with up to 40cm of snow expected to fall in higher areas during a two to four-hour burst in which it will fall “thick and fast” ahead of a “rapid thaw” expected to cause localised flooding, the Met Office said.

With some rural communities expected to be cut off and 4,000 households in England and Wales left without power, the Met Office has urged people to keep a phone charger, torch and batteries at hand, while rail and road travel authorities urged caution and closed several major routes on Saturday.

The worst of the weather however is still on its way, according to UK power network chiefs.

Ross Easton, of Energy Networks Association (ENA) – which represents the UK’s power network operators, said: “There are a few localised weather-related power cuts in parts of Britain this morning. However, for most parts of the country the severe weather hasn’t yet had a significant impact. Forecasters are describing this as a ‘multi-hazard event’ with the worst of the weather yet to arrive.”

Key points

  • Storm Bert amber alerts for thick snow now in force in Scotland and England
  • Man in 60s killed after tree falls on car in Hampshire
  • ‘Thick and fast’ snow to bring ‘atrocious’ travel conditions and blizzards
  • ‘Rapid thaw’ could cause localised flooding, Met Office forecaster warns
  • As scores of fresh flood alerts issued on Saturday morning
  • Thousands hit by power cuts in England and Wales
  • ‘Worst of storm yet to come’ - UK power chiefs say

‘Worst of Storm Bert yet to come’ - UK power network chiefs

14:33

Tom Barnes

Thousands of homes are without power, roads are flooded and flights have been cancelled – but the worst of Storm Bert is still to come, according to UK power chiefs.

Winds of up to 70mph are set to batter coastal areas and, as temperatures rise on Saturday, melting snow and heavy rain are causing flooding.

The National Grid said around 4,000 homes in its region of the Midlands, south-west England and south Wales, are without power.

Ross Easton, of Energy Networks Association (ENA) – which represents the UK’s power network operators, said: “There are a few localised weather-related power cuts in parts of Britain this morning. However, for most parts of the country the severe weather hasn’t yet had a significant impact.

“Forecasters are describing this as a ‘multi-hazard event’ with the worst of the weather yet to arrive, and so our members have extra engineers and contact centre teams available, and control rooms are monitoring the storm closely as it develops.”

Parts of Dartmoor could see up to 150mm of rain, Met Office says

14:23

Andy Gregory

The Met Office forecasts heavy rain developing overnight and into Sunday for south-west and southern England, stretching from Oxford to Truro – and has updated its maximum rainfall expectations.

The yellow warning is in place from 6am Saturday until 11.45pm on Sunday and up to 70mm of rain could fall during this time.

There is a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-150mm of rainfall, the national weather service said.

Man dies after tree falls on car in Hampshire, police say

14:18

Tom Barnes

A man in his 60s has died after a tree fell on a car on the A34 near Winchester, Hampshire Police said.

The force was called at 7.47am to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall and found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 dead at the scene.

It is unclear if the incident was related to Storm Bert but the cause is under investigation.

A silver Skoda Kodiaq was also damaged but no other injuries were reported.

Hampshire Police said the man’s family has been informed.

Lengthy lane closures have been put in place and the force is appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly anyone with relevant dashcam footage.

Watch: Snow falls across England and Scotland

14:03

Andy Gregory

Blackburn and Bradford fixtures among matches called off due to Storm Bert

13:44

Andy Gregory

Storm Bert has wreaked havoc on the domestic football calendar with Blackburn’s Championship clash against Portsmouth one of a number of games called off.

Bradford’s League Two game against Accrington and Fleetwood’s match with MK Dons have also become victims of the weather.

In the National League, the derby between Rochdale and Oldham and Halifax’s meeting with Sutton have also gone.

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Blackburn and Bradford fixtures among matches called off due to Storm Bert

Thousands without power in England and Wales as ‘worst yet to come'

13:22

Andy Gregory

The National Grid said around 4,000 homes in its region of the Midlands, south-west England and south Wales, are without power.

Ross Easton, of Energy Networks Association (ENA) – which represents the UK’s power network operators – said: “There are a few localised weather-related power cuts in parts of Britain this morning. However, for most parts of the country the severe weather hasn’t yet had a significant impact.

“Forecasters are describing this as a ‘multi-hazard event’ with the worst of the weather yet to arrive, and so our members have extra engineers and contact centre teams available, and control rooms are monitoring the storm closely as it develops.”

Why has Met Office issued amber alert?

13:08

Andy Gregory

In its amber weather alert, covering parts of central Scotland, the Met Office warns that Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow, leading to some disruption on Saturday. It warns that:

  • Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
  • Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
  • There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off
  • Some delays and cancellations to rail travel are likely

Mapped: Where are weather warnings in force?

12:41

Andy Gregory

Here is the Met Office’s map of weather warnings as things currently stand.

There are five yellow alerts for rain, wind and snow, and a more severe amber alert for snow in central Scotland, still in force.

A previous amber alert for snow stretching from central England to the Scottish borders had been in force until midday.

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Met Office satellite graphic shows progress of Storm Bert

12:18

Andy Gregory

Pictured: Snow falls across Scotland

12:03

Andy Gregory

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Thick snow brings M8 motorway to a halt near Livingston

11:55

Andy Gregory

Cars have been pictured queued in thick snow near Livingston on the M8 motorway, which connects Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Championship football clash between Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth postponed

11:48

Andy Gregory

A Championship football match in Lancashire has been postponed due to torrential rain.

Blackburn Rovers were set to face Portsmouth at Ewood Park at 3pm on Saturday but the match will now be played at a later date.

In a post on X, Blackburn Rovers said: “Due to an unplayable pitch caused by torrential rain, today’s match against Portsmouth at Ewood Park has been postponed by the match official. We will announce details of the rearranged fixture in due course.”

Heavy snow on Scotland’s central road artery

11:40

Andy Gregory

Heavy snow has been reported near Dalwhinnie on Scotland’s A9 artery.

13cm of snow recorded in Staffordshire

11:29

Andy Gregory

Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said the effects of the storm would continue throughout the weekend.

“We expect the worst of the snow to pass by 12pm in Yorkshire but there will be some heavy rain and travelling conditions throughout the day will be pretty poor,” he said.

He said there was 13cm of snow measured in Leek in Staffordshire on Saturday morning and 68mph winds in Brixham, Devon.

“As milder weather comes in snow will melt, leading to pretty hazardous conditions,” Mr Snell said.

Police Scotland urge all road users to ‘consider if they really need to travel'

11:10

Andy Gregory

Police Scotland has urged all motorists to consider whether their journeys are essential, as Storm Bert brings snow to much of the country.

Superintendent Vinnie Fisher, Police Scotland’s deputy road policing chief, said: “All road users should consider if they really need to travel in adverse weather.

“When driving on ice and snow, keep well back from the road user in front. Stopping distances can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads. Check your windscreen washer levels and ensure your windows are completely clear before driving. Failure to do so can result in a fine.

“Listen to media broadcasts for updates, follow Transport Scotland and the Met Office on social media and share information with others.”

Scores of new flood alerts issued

10:57

Andy Gregory

Scores of new flood alerts have been issued this morning, as authorities brace for thick snow to rapidly thaw amid predictions of up to 100mm of rainfall in some areas.

In England, the Environment Agency now has 49 flood alerts in place – mostly concentrated in the South West and North West – and one more severe flood warning, which means flooding is imminent.

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Scotland’s environmental protection agency has issued six flood alerts, while Natural Resources Wales has 20 flood alerts in place.

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Mountain rescue team warns of avalanche risk

10:52

Andy Gregory

The Killin Mountain Rescue Team, which operates in the southern Highlands, has warned of agencies reporting that heavy snow – followed by rainfall – will create snow instability and an avalanche risk, amid “wintery and wild” conditions.

Storm Bert causes power cuts for 60,000 households in Ireland

10:39

Andy Gregory

More than 60,000 households in Ireland have been hit with power cuts after Storm Bert swept across the country on Friday.

The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said that high winds had caused power outages for 60,000 customers, with the worst affected counties including Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Kerry and Cork.

Flights disrupted at Edinburgh and Newcastle airports

10:31

Andy Gregory

Flights have been disrupted at Edinburghand Newcastle airports as Storm Bert brings heavy snow to Scotland and North East England.

Newcastle airport’s online departure board shows many flights set to depart this morning have been delayed, while the 9.30am British Airways service to Heathrow was cancelled.

The live arrival board shows flights diverted to Belfast and Edinburgh. However, just three flights appear to have so far taken off from Edinburgh Airport this morning, following several hours of continuous snowfall.

Newcastle airport posted on X: “Due to Storm Bert, the airport has had continuous, heavy snow this morning. Our snow team is operational and are working hard to keep any disruption to a minimum and we will provide a further update later this morning.

“Passengers are advised to visit our website for the latest flight information and to contact their airline directly if they have any queries.”

Edinburgh airport said: “With StormBert moving in, please plan ahead if you are travelling today. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest information on their flight.”

Severn Bridge closed in both directions

10:10

Andy Gregory

The Severn Bridge has been closed in both directions due to strong winds.

Road users in Gloucestershire are advised to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternate route, National Highways said.

Snow reported across swathes of Scotland and England

10:08

Andy Gregory

Snow is falling across swathes of the UK, including in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Derbyshire and Northumberland.

Perth cancels annual Christmas lights event

10:04

Andy Gregory

Perth and Kinross Council cancelled its annual Perth Christmas lights switch-on event over safety and travel concerns.

An ambert weather warning covers parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire and some of the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

‘Thick and fast’ snow will bring ‘atrocious’ travel conditions and blizzards, forecaster warns

09:46

Andy Gregory

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said Storm Bert’s arrival in the UK was following a “relatively quiet” night on Friday, with temperatures dropping to around -4C across parts of Scotland and -1C in eastern England.

“We’ll see two to four hours of heavy snow across parts of northern England and Scotland during Saturday morning,” Mr McGivern said.

“This snow will accumulate thick and fast, with five to 10cm at lower levels and as much as 20 to 40cm over hills accompanied by strong winds.

“You can expect blizzards over hills across northern England and Scotland, atrocious conditions for travelling and going over the hills and also the risk of power interruptions because of snow build up on power lines.

“So all in all, a multiple hazard event as we go into Saturday morning.”

Flight disruption at Heathrow and beyond

09:29

Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent

British Airways has grounded 36 domestic and European flights to and from London Heathrow today. They include two round-trips to Glasgow, Manchester and Nice.

Swiss has cancelled two Zurich flights and one to Geneva.

Other airlines cancelling single flights at Heathrow include Aer Lingus to Dublin, Air France to Paris CDG and Lufthansa to Frankfurt.

The Independent is seeking confirmation from Heathrow airport and British Airways about the precise reason for the cancellations. When severe weather is forecast, the “flow rate” of arrivals at Heathrow is often reduced, triggering cancellations.

Loganair links from Glasgow to Tiree and Barra are grounded. The airline is offering any passengers booked to the Western Isles or the Isle of Man today the chance to re-book on another day within the next week.

‘Rapid thaw’ could cause localised flooding, Met Office forecaster warns

09:27

Andy Gregory

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern has said temperatures that will rise quickly as the storm brings with it milder air from the Atlantic, resulting in a “rapid thaw” by the afternoon.

“The melting snow and the heavy rain could lead to localised flooding in places but the wettest spots would be Wales, in the South West, particularly over south-facing hills, that’s where we’re likely to see gales and certainly the risk of impacts from wind as well as from rain,” the meteorologist said.

Over the weekend, Wales and the South West are at risk of seeing 75mm of rain widely, and potentially more than 100mm over the higher parts of South Wales and Dartmoor.

UK airports not yet anticipating disruption from Storm Bert

09:07

Andy Gregory

UK airports are so far not anticipating disruption as Storm Bert brings snow, heavy rain and strong winds to the UK.

A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport said: “Whilst we are not anticipating disruption at this time... we will continue to keep a close eye on the situation, as Storm Bert moves in.”

Manchester Airport said “we’re expecting bad weather but aren’t anticipating any disruption” while Newcastle Airport said it will be operating as normal overnight with teams “fully prepared to respond should conditions deteriorate”.

Ferry problems for passengers from Outer Hebrides to English Channel

08:55

Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent

Caledonian MacBrayne ferries in western Scotland are heavily disrupted. The link from Oban to Coll and Tiree is cancelled all day “due to South Easterly winds gusting up to 57mph and swell conditions.” Ferries from Oban to Barra and from Mallaig to Skye.

P&O Ferries cancelled its early Saturday morning sailings between Cairnryan in Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland. Stena Line’s Belfast to Cairnryan services are also disrupted.

On the English Channel, DFDS Ferries has cancelled ferries between Newhaven and Dieppe tonight and tomorrow.

The UK’s only hovercraft service, from Southsea to Ryde, is currently suspended.

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Rail companies urge passengers to avoid travel to certain areas as ‘severe weather alert’ issued

08:48

Andy Gregory

Rail companies have urged passengers to avoid travelling to certain areas and some warned of reduced services while National Highways issued a “severe weather alert” for snow affecting Yorkshire and north-east England between 5am and 3pm on Saturday.

In Yorkshire, the A628 remained closed overnight in both directions between the A616 Hollingworth and the A57 Flouch due to snow, National Highways announced.

The A66 Trans-Pennine route was closed between the A6 and the M6 (J40).

In Scotland, there will be speed restrictions on the West Highland Line, Highland Mainline, Stranraer line, Glasgow South Western Line, Far North Line, and West Coast Mainline between Carstairs and the border.

ScotRail has withdrawn services from Inverness to Elgin, Aberdeen to Inverurie, and Glasgow Queen Street to Oban while trains from Glasgow Central to Carlisle will terminate at Dumfries.

South Western Rail (SWR) asked passengers to only travel west of Basingstoke if their journeys are essential.

SWR announced services between Exeter and London Waterloo will start and finish at Basingstoke, that journey times will be longer between Salisbury and Exeter and between Bournemouth and Weymouth due to speed restrictions, and services across its network will start later than usual on Sunday and Monday because of safety inspections.

TransPennine Express “strongly” urged customers not to travel north of Carlisle on Saturday while Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston – including Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Up to four hours of snow and 40cm expected ahead of ‘rapid thaw’, Met Office says

08:29

Andy Gregory

Storm Bert is expected to bring around two to four hours of snow to affected areas on Saturday before a “rapid thaw”, the Met Office forecast on Friday.

The forecaster said that areas higher than 400m metres above sea level could see between 20 and 40cm of snow on Saturday, with 10 to 20cm in areas 200 metres above sea level, and 2 to 5cm in lower areas.

Drivers have been urged to be careful on the roads

08:00

Jabed Ahmed

The RAC urged people to take care on the roads.

RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: “The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year.

“With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.”

Ambert weather alerts now in force in Scotland and England

07:49

Andy Gregory

Severe ambert weather alerts are now in force for snow and ice in parts of Scotland and England.

The first warning, in force until 5pm, covers parts of Perthshire and the southern Highlands, while the second – in force until midday – stretches from just north of Bradford and Harrogate to as far north as Peebles in the Scottish Borders, but is confined mainly to rural areas in central northern England.

The two severe Met Office alerts warn that Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow, leading to some disruption.

There is a good chance rural communities could become cut off, with power cuts likely and mobile phone coverage potentially taking a hit, while travel delays are likely and passengers could become stranded.

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Cold weather payments triggered in UK snow – check if you’re eligible and when to expect money

07:00

Jabed Ahmed

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Cold Weather Payments triggered in UK snow – check if you’re eligible

52,000 households likely to require help over weekend, say British Gas

05:00

Jabed Ahmed

British Gas are expecting to see up to 52,000 households require help this weekend with their heating and hot water systems, as temperatures are set to plummet.

Their engineers have urged homeowners to prepare in advance by carrying out simple tasks such as bleeding their radiators and having boilers serviced.

Other tips include carefully checking water pipes, arranging furniture for warmth and preparing your heating before bedtime.

How to protect your heart during the winter

03:00

Jabed Ahmed

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Warning over heart attacks and strokes caused by cold temperatures

Does cold weather affect blood pressure?

02:00

Jabed Ahmed

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Does cold weather affect blood pressure?

Charities warn of impact of cold weather as UK feels ‘first taste of winter’

01:00

Jabed Ahmed

Charities have warned of the impact of the cold weather on society’s most vulnerable people as the UK experiences what the Met Office has called “the first taste of winter”.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season this week and, along with charity Age UK, warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the charity was worried that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be “extra fearful” about turning on their heating this winter.

Energy suppliers to spend £500 million on winter bills support

Friday 22 November 2024 23:58

Jabed Ahmed

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Energy suppliers to spend £500 million on winter bills support

Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Met Office confirm Storm Bert to hit UK this weekend

Friday 22 November 2024 23:00

Jabed Ahmed

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Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Storm Bert hits UK

Drivers should stick to major roads and prepare for breakdown emergencies

Friday 22 November 2024 21:58

Jabed Ahmed

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year.

“With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.

“Drivers should ensure their tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure to give them the best possible grip on the road. It’s best to stick to major roads, rather than rural areas where surfaces may not be gritted, reduce speeds and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front to ensure you have more time to stop.

“Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”

Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow?

Friday 22 November 2024 21:03

Jabed Ahmed

How to win the heating wars at home when the weather’s not on your side

Friday 22 November 2024 20:01

Jabed Ahmed

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In the thermostat wars I’ve learnt to chill in unseasonable warmth

How are storms named?

Friday 22 November 2024 19:01

Jabed Ahmed

In the UK, a storm will be named when it has the potential to cause disruption or damage which could result in an amber or red warning.

The Met Office usually name storms on the basis of the impacts from strong winds, but the impacts of other weather types will also be considered.

When the criteria for naming a storm are met, either the Met Office, Met Éireann or KNMI can name a storm, taking the name from the latest list in alphabetical order.

After Bert, the next five storms will be:

  • Conall
  • Darragh
  • Éowyn
  • Floris
  • Gerben

Britons warned to stock up on water and food ahead of heavy snow and wind

Friday 22 November 2024 18:47

Athena Stavrou

Brits have been warned to stock up on essential supplies ahead Storm Bert this weekend, as the UK braces for 70mph winds and heavy rain.

There are eight Met Office weather warnings - including a severe amber one - in place across the UK on Saturday and Sunday as the second named storm of the season begins to arrive on Friday night.

Advice reportedly sent to British Gas customers includes a recommendation that people stockpile three days’ worth of food and water incase the weather disrupts travel and power.

It also urged people to keep a phone charger, torch and batteries nearby.

Heavy rain alert issued for Cork and Galway as Storm Bert to sweep across island

Friday 22 November 2024 18:01

Jabed Ahmed

Several snow, wind and rain warnings have been issued for counties across the island of Ireland as Storm Bert is expected to land this weekend.

A status red warning has been issued for Galway and Cork on Saturday and there is a risk of flooding and difficult driving conditions in most counties from Friday night until Saturday afternoon.

After a cold snap during the week that created challenging road conditions in several parts of the country, people are now being asked to be aware of hazards on the road this weekend.

Falls of sleet and snow are possible in the north and north west overnight on Friday, forecasters Met Eireann said, as the storm tracks north west.

Flooding and gusty winds are the greater risk on Saturday, but will ease off in the mid-afternoon before more heavy rain moves in from the west.

A status red rain warning is in place for Cork and Galway from midnight until 10am on Saturday, with heavy rainfall expected in west Cork in particular.

Severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses, and dangerous road conditions are possible in those counties, Met Eireann have warned.

A status orange rain warning is in place for the same time period for counties Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, creating a risk of river flooding, very difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

52,000 households likely to require help over weekend, say British Gas

Friday 22 November 2024 17:01

Jabed Ahmed

British Gas are expecting to see up to 52,000 households require help this weekend with their heating and hot water systems, as temperatures are set to plummet.

Their engineers have urged homeowners to prepare in advance by carrying out simple tasks such as bleeding their radiators and having boilers serviced.

Other tips include carefully checking water pipes, arranging furniture for warmth and preparing your heating before bedtime.

How is climate change affecting snow in the UK?

Friday 22 November 2024 16:31

Jabed Ahmed

In recent decades, the intensity and frequency of heavy snowfall in the UK has reduced, and is expected to further reduce in recent years.

Between 1961 to 1990, it snowed for an average of 36.3 days each year in the UK, which has since reduced to 23.7 leading up to 2010.

In pictures: Snow continues to blanket parts of the UK

Friday 22 November 2024 16:01

Jabed Ahmed

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In Pictures: Snow continues to blanket parts of the UK

View Original Article

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