Posted: Nov 23, 2024 1:12 PM EST | Updated: November 23, 2024 1:43 PM EST
This is the jaw-dropping moment as a kitesurfer battles to take to the skies against Storm Bert.
Several weather warnings were issued as Storm Bert left homes without power, airports closed and roads flooded.
The storm also claimed the lives of three drivers as it was described as a multi-hazard event that brought snow and warm air moving north, bringing strong winds.
Winds reaching 70 miles per hour have battered coastal areas, melting snow and torrential rain are causing flooding.
A gale warning is in place for coastal areas of southern England and Wales from 9am on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. Meanwhile, a gale warning is in place for Scotland from 5am to 7pm on Saturday.
But one brave kitesurfer took to the Dornoch Sea in the Scottish Highlands and took advantage of strong winds to make an extreme jump over choppy waters.
Kitesurfing is a style of kiteboarding that specializes in riding waves, using either a standard surfboard or a purpose-built board.
Although the name includes surfing, kitesurfing doesn’t require waves. Because the wind is the only force you need to move you.
It’s a jaw-dropping moment as a kitesurfer battles to take to the skies against Storm Bert.
A brave kitesurfer took to the Dornoch Sea in the Scottish Highlands and took advantage of strong winds to make an extreme jump over choppy waters.
Incredible footage shows the kitesurfer battling the waves before being thrown upward by a large gust of wind.
Storm Brent dumped 16 inches of snow across the UK, causing chaos across the UK with airports closed and football matches canceled.
National Grid said 4,000 homes in the Midlands, south-west England and south Wales were without power.
A 34-year-old man died this morning in Shipley, West Yorkshire, when his blue Renault Capture crashed into wscotall in icy conditions.
A man in his 60s was killed when a tree fell on his black Mercedes E350. He was confirmed dead at the scene.
And Northamptonshire Police announced that a man has died after a two-vehicle collision on the A45 near Flore at around 8.20am today.
Ross Easton, of the Energy Networks Association (ENA), which represents the UK’s electricity network operators, said: ‘Our engineers and contact center teams are available and our control room is closely monitoring the storm as it progresses.’
The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire was closed due to high winds and the A66 in County Durham was closed in both directions between the A67 and A645 due to snow.
Weather warnings and 16 flood warnings have been issued across the UK.
Traffic was at a standstill on the M80 near Castlecary, North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
There was also disruption at Newcastle Airport. Some arriving flights were redirected to Belfast and Edinburgh and the airport’s snow team tried to minimize disruption.
Holidaymakers have shared images showing snow-covered runways at Newcastle and Yorkshire airports, with some even claiming there were ‘delays of more than seven hours’.
Six weather warnings remain in place. Further south, heavy rain is lashing the UK.
The Met Office forecast heavy rain overnight and into Sunday across south-west and southern England, from Oxford to Truro.
The yellow warning is in effect from 6am on Saturday until 11.45pm on Sunday, during which up to 70mm of rain could fall.
Up to six inches of rainfall is possible in some areas over Dartmoor, the National Meteorological Office said.
Forecasters also predicted up to 40cm of snow could fall in the Scottish Highlands, with an amber warning for snow and ice remaining in place for central areas until 5pm today.
Share or comment on this article: Storm Butt A kitesurfer takes off into the air in jaw-dropping moments as he battles gale force winds.
Here are two PAA-related questions for the provided interview text:
## World Today News Interview: Storm Bert’s Impact
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. We’re joined today by two experts to discuss the recent impacts of Storm Bert, which has left its mark across the UK. Joining us are Dr. Anya Sharma, a meteorologist specializing in extreme weather events, and John Davies, a freelance adventurer and outdoor sports enthusiast. Welcome to both.
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me.
**John:** Glad to be here.
**Host:**
Let’s start by discussing the severity of Storm Bert. Dr. Sharma, the article mentions Storm Bert was described as a “multi-hazard event”. Could you please elaborate on what this means?
**Dr. Sharma: ** Absolutely. A multi-hazard event signifies a storm that produces a combination of dangerous weather phenomena, rather than just one. In Storm Bert’s case, we saw strong winds reaching up to 70mph, heavy rainfall leading to flooding, and snowfall, particularly in northern regions. This multifaceted nature of the storm creates a greater risk to infrastructure, travel, and public safety.
**Host:**
John, the article highlights a kitesurfer fearlessly riding the waves amidst the storm. What do you think motivates individuals to engage in extreme sports, even during potentially dangerous weather conditions?
**John:** I think it’s a combination of factors. It’s a deep appreciation for the raw power of nature and the adrenaline rush that comes with pushing physical and mental limits. Of course, safety is paramount, and experienced extreme sports enthusiasts like kitesurfers know how to assess the risks and take appropriate precautions.
**Host:**
Let’s delve deeper into the impacts of Storm Bert. The article reports on the tragic loss of three drivers due to the treacherous driving conditions caused by the storm. Dr. Sharma, how do these weather events highlight the vulnerability of our infrastructure and transportation systems?
[Continue structuring the interview with thematic sections discussing the impact on infrastructure, the role of community preparedness, and climate change implications.]
**Example Thematic Sections:**
* **The Human Cost:** Focus on the tragic loss of life, discussing how to prevent future tragedies and improve road safety during severe weather.
* **Infrastructure Resilience:** Explore the impact on roads, power grids, and airports, discussing the need for robust infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.
* **Preparedness and Community Response:**
Examine the role of local authorities, emergency services, and the community in preparing for and responding to storm events.
* **Climate Change Connection:** Discuss the potential link between climate change and the increasing frequency of powerful storms like Storm Bert.
Remember to end the interview with a concluding section summarizing key takeaways and encouraging viewer engagement.
