Storm Henk Strikes England and Wales with 80mph Winds
Storm Henk has swept across England and Wales, unleashing winds exceeding 80mph. While the severe amber warning from the Met Office has expired, a yellow alert for wind and rain remains until 9 PM GMT.
Exeter Airport experienced the strongest gust at 81mph. The storm disrupted travel, with railways impeded by downed trees and power outages. A London woman was hospitalized after a tree fell on her, though her injuries are non-life-threatening.
Over 2,000 homes suffered power cuts, with the exact cause unclear. Flooding has caused widespread road and rail issues, with 234 flood warnings, predominantly in the Midlands.
Rescuers in Warwickshire saved people from a flooded car, and a woman was rescued from the River Severn in Worcester. Leicestershire police reported numerous water-related incidents.
Rail routes, including those out of London Paddington, face diversions and flooding issues. Several train companies, including Thameslink and South Western Railway, advise against non-essential travel due to disruptions.
Avanti West Coast warned of delays due to damaged overhead lines, while Southern Rail implemented a 40mph speed limit on certain routes. Great Western has closed the line between Okehampton and Crediton after station damage.
Yellow warnings for rain extend to Manchester and Hull, with wind warnings reaching north of Birmingham. Coastal residents are advised to exercise caution near waves and homeowners to secure loose items.
Meteorologist Matt Taylor predicts that Henk will move towards Europe by Wednesday, with calmer weather expected later in the week. This eighth named storm in three months was named late due to uncertainty in forecasts.
2023 is the UK's second-warmest year on record, following 2022, attributed to human-induced climate change, leading to extreme heatwaves and rising sea levels.
Over 2,000 homes suffered power cuts, with the exact cause unclear. Flooding has caused widespread road and rail issues, with 234 flood warnings, predominantly in the Midlands.
Rescuers in Warwickshire saved people from a flooded car, and a woman was rescued from the River Severn in Worcester. Leicestershire police reported numerous water-related incidents.
Rail routes, including those out of London Paddington, face diversions and flooding issues. Several train companies, including Thameslink and South Western Railway, advise against non-essential travel due to disruptions.
Avanti West Coast warned of delays due to damaged overhead lines, while Southern Rail implemented a 40mph speed limit on certain routes. Great Western has closed the line between Okehampton and Crediton after station damage.
Yellow warnings for rain extend to Manchester and Hull, with wind warnings reaching north of Birmingham. Coastal residents are advised to exercise caution near waves and homeowners to secure loose items.
Meteorologist Matt Taylor predicts that Henk will move towards Europe by Wednesday, with calmer weather expected later in the week. This eighth named storm in three months was named late due to uncertainty in forecasts.
2023 is the UK's second-warmest year on record, following 2022, attributed to human-induced climate change, leading to extreme heatwaves and rising sea levels.
