Live: Three dead as Storm Bert claims first victims as two die in car crashed and another is crushed by tree

Live

By Emma Soteriou

Storm Bert has claimed its first victims after two people died in separate car crashes in Northamptonshire and Hampshire - and another was crushed to death in his car by a falling tree.

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It comes as the UK has been hit by strong winds, heavy rain and snow.

The accident happened just before 1am on Saturday - as Storm Bert swept in.

"The driver, a 34-year-old man from Bradford, was given emergency treatment but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later," West Yorkshire Police said.

A local resident told the Mirror: "When I looked outside, I could see the car had spun off the road and smashed into a wall.

"It was freezing last night and the road can be treacherous in icy conditions. We’ve seen accidents here before, but nothing as tragic as this."

Read more: Storm Bert hits UK in 'multi-hazard weather event' as roads forced to close and trains cancelled

Northamptonshire Police say later that a different man died in a two-car collision on the A45 this morning.

Amber weather warnings came into force across the north of England and Scotland in the early hours of Saturday, with up to 40cm of snow expected.

Meanwhile, yellow wind, rain and snow warnings covered much of the rest of the UK for Saturday and into Sunday.

The Met Office said the storm was a "multi-hazard event" as snow beings to accumulate "thick and fast".

The extreme conditions have already cause travel disruption for many, with trains, planes and roads among those affected.

Follow the latest on Storm Bert below

Third person dies in Storm Bert

Northamptonshire Police say a man died in a two-car collision on the A45 this morning.

This is the third death that is being attributed to Storm Bert.

It comes after a man was crushed by a falling tree in his car earlier in Hampshire.

Elsewhere, another person crashed their car into a wall due to the conditions.

Chay Quinn

Thousands of homes without power

More than 4,000 homes have been left without power across the Midlands, South West England and Wales.

"Engineering teams continue to work hard in challenging weather conditions to restore power supplies and support customers, as heavy wind and rain affects parts of our electricity network," the National Grid said.

"As of midday, 4,183 properties are without power, but we have already been able to successfully and safely restore many homes and businesses." 

Emma Soteriou

Man dies after tree falls on his car

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. 

Emma Soteriou

Storm Bert in pictures

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Wales records wind gusts of 82mph

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More flood warnings and alert issued

There are now 14 flood warnings and 70 flood alerts in place.

Find out if you'll be affected here.

Emma Soteriou

Storm Bert claims first victim

A man died after his car 'spun off the road' and collided with a wall.

The accident happened just before 1am on Saturday - as Storm Bert swept in.

West Yorkshire Police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a road traffic collision in Shipley. 

"At 12.59am this morning, police were contacted by the ambulance service who were attending a single vehicle collision in Moorhead Lane at the junction with Beechwood Grove.

"A blue Renault Captur, which had been travelling north-east towards Saltaire, had collided with a wall.

"The driver, a 34-year-old man from Bradford, was given emergency treatment but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. 

"A road closure has remained in place while the scene is being cleared.” 

The cause of the collision is unclear. 

Emma Soteriou

One of Scotland's biggest bus firms pauses its services

Lothian Buses, which operates the majority of routes in Edinburgh, as well as services in East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, said buses had been halted due to safety concerns.

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Championship football match postponed

A match between Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth has been postponed due to torrential rain.

It was due to take place at Ewood Park at 3pm on Saturday.

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."

Emma Soteriou

Northern Ireland warned of 'severe disruption' to train services

Flooding has cause damage to railways in Northern Ireland.

Passengers have been told to make alternative travel arrangements.

Emma Soteriou