Storm Benjamin: Flood alerts and travel chaos as 70mph winds batter UK
Storm Benjamin caused flooding in parts of England and caused travel disruption as heavy rain and strong winds hit the UK.
More than 15 flood warnings remain in effect Across England on Thursday morningFollowing the dismissal of 37 more people. Affected areas stretch from Yorkshire to Norfolk, with rivers and parts of the coastline in Kent, Sussex and Somerset.
Ferry company DFDS reported travel delays due to the storm and said: “All services are currently operating with delays due to strong winds in the channel.”
They advised passengers to check in as normal and said they would be transferred to the “next possible flight upon arrival”.
Storm Benjamin is expected to develop across the south-east of England in the late morning and early afternoon, with gusts above 70mph possible, the Met Office said.
The forecaster warned that large waves and debris crashing into sea frontages, coastal roads and properties in stormy conditions could lead to injuries and “danger to life”.
“There is a small chance of 40 to 45 mph in parts of Kent and Sussex in the early morning hours, with up to 55 mph in coastal areas. However, conditions here are likely to improve at least temporarily on Thursday morning,” the Met Office said.
“As Storm Benjamin moves across the south-east of England, stronger north-east to north-west winds are likely to develop. Winds of 50 to 60 mph are likely to be quite common, while 65 to 70 mph are possible near the coasts.
“If Storm Benjamin is at a point where expectations are stronger, there is less chance that winds will develop very locally in excess of 70 miles per hour, most likely in the late morning and into the afternoon.”
The Met Office has updated its weather warnings and there are only two warnings left until Thursday.
A yellow warning for rain has been issued in Norfolk and Suffolk until 16:00, while a wind warning continues for East Anglia, London and Kent.
The Met Office said: “A band of rain associated with Storm Benjamin will gradually move eastwards on Thursday but is expected to cause heavy rain in some places, particularly this morning.
“Most places will only see around 10-15mm of rain today, while a few places, especially closer to the coast, may see shorter periods of heavy rains of 20-30mm.”
Previously, two yellow rain warnings covered the whole of southern and eastern England, parts of south Wales, the Midlands and the north west; For the southeast, a yellow warning for wind was issued until midnight.
The Surfers Against Sewage live map reported dozens of sewer discharges in affected areas.
Chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “It is worth noting that there is greater than usual uncertainty about the path and intensity of this low pressure system.
“The public should stay informed about the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation evolves, with adjustments to forecasts likely to be made at short notice.”
