A number of Christmas lights switch-on events have been cancelled as Storm Bert is set to reach the south of England on Saturday. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to sweep in with yellow Met Office warnings in place.

A number of Christmas events have been cancelled today after Storm Bert hit the south. Storm Bert has hit the south today (November 23), with yellow wind and rain warnings in place. Blenheim Palace has cancelled its Christmas events due to “adverse weather conditions”.

Christmas light switch-on events have been postponed or scaled back as Storm Bert is expected to strike later. Torrential rain is expected and wind gusts of 70mph have been predicted. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for across the country.

The Trafford Centre's Tinsel Town Fairground has closed due to the 'extreme weather ', while Tatton Park's Yuletide event has also been cancelled. It comes after a number of Christmas lights switch-on events in and around the city-region have also been called off.

Storm Bert is battering the country with strong winds, heavy rain and snow and ice with amber warnings coming into force bringing a "potential risk to life and property".

When and where UK will be hit by snow and winds after Met Office issue weather warning - The majority of the UK will be facing at least one weather warning in the days to come

The Met Office has issued snow, ice, wind and rain warnings across the UK and said the low pressure system would be a 'multi-hazard event' following a cold snap. An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in force on Saturday from 7am until 5pm.