Severe flooding and high winds cause fatal incident in North York Moors as UK braces for more extreme weather.

Three men have tragically lost their lives after their 4×4 vehicle became submerged in the River Esk in the North York Moors during Storm Gerrit, which brought extreme weather and severe flooding to parts of the UK on Thursday. Emergency services, including air support, were dispatched shortly before noon after reports that the men had become trapped in deep water. The vehicle was recovered by police around 3pm, but it was too late to save the victims.

The storm, which is the latest named weather event to hit the UK, also caused widespread destruction in other areas. In Tameside, Greater Manchester, a “localised tornado” linked to a supercell thunderstorm damaged about 100 properties, leaving thousands without power. A major incident was declared as residents began the daunting task of cleaning up the aftermath.

Along with heavy rainfall and high winds, Storm Gerrit brought heavy snow to parts of Scotland, where trees and debris were knocked down, taking down power lines and further complicating recovery efforts. The Met Office reported on Thursday afternoon that the worst of the storm had passed, though blustery and showery conditions were expected to continue into the night and Friday.

Looking ahead, the UK is bracing for another round of severe weather on Saturday, with very strong winds and heavy rain expected. Conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with blustery, showery weather continuing into New Year’s Eve.