Met Office issues alert for imminent storm as gales and rain to hit | Weather | News
Meteorologists have warned of wind and rain in parts of England and Wales as a deep area of low pressure, dubbed Storm Benjamin by Meteo France, moves from the west. The worst impacts are expected in the nearby continent and France, while the UK will experience heavy rain, strong winds and potential disruption to travel.
Warnings are in place for a total of 8 regions across the UK.
- London and South East England
- South West England
- east of england
- East Midlands
- West Midlands
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- Wales
- North East England
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “Low pressure moving across the south of the UK tomorrow will bring areas of both heavy rain and strong winds.”
Significant northwesterly winds are expected to affect western regions from Thursday morning; winds 45 to 55 mph, locally gusting up to 55 mph along the coast.
North winds will develop over eastern areas, reaching 50-60 mph widely and reaching 70 mph near some coasts. If Storm Benjamin reaches a stronger point than expected, there is a small chance that wind gusts will exceed 70 mph in isolated areas.
Rebekah Hicks continued: “The rain is expected to arrive from the south-west this evening, then spread north-east across many parts of England and Wales on Thursday, causing difficult driving conditions and the risk of flooding in some places. Winds are also expected to pick up in southern coastal areas.
“However, by Thursday morning, significantly stronger northwesterly winds will begin to impact parts of the west at 45 to 55 mph, with local 55 mph expected around the coast. At the same time, northerly winds are expected to develop more widely in eastern areas, gusting to 50-60 mph over a fairly wide area and up to 70 mph near some coasts. Storm Benjamin is where forecasts are stronger.” If it does, there is a very small chance that winds will locally exceed 70 mph for a period of time.
“It is worth noting that there is greater than usual uncertainty about the path and intensity of this low-pressure system, so the public should stay up to date on the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation evolves, with adjustments to forecasts likely to be made at short notice.”
Outside the warning areas, sunny weather and showers are expected on Thursday, sometimes turning into longer-lasting rain. Temperatures will be slightly below average and will feel cold with strong winds.
Looking ahead, Friday will see sunny skies and heavy showers, gradually easing later in the day, although strong coastal storms are likely in the east and northeast.
The weekend will get colder as the Arctic Maritime air mass moves southwards, bringing wintry showers over the Scottish mountaintops. Sunday may offer drier, brighter conditions for a short while before rain returns later in the day.
Residents are asked to keep a close eye on conditions via UK Met Office forecast pages and the Met Office’s mobile app and social media channels for the latest updates.
