UK weather map: Where Storm Benjamin is set to bring 75mph winds and heavy rain this week
Storm Benjamin is set to hit the UK on Thursday with winds of up to 75mph, with the Met Office issuing “danger to life” weather warnings.
The forecaster issued four yellow weather warnings across England and Wales and predicted strong showers to be accompanied by strong winds.
The Met Office has warned that large waves and debris crashing into sea fronts, coastal roads and properties in stormy conditions could lead to injuries and “danger to life”.
Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Low pressure moving across the south of the UK on Thursday will bring areas of both heavy rain and strong winds.”
Weather warnings will begin at 3am and last until midnight, with a south-easterly wind warning covering parts of East Anglia, Lincolnshire and east Yorkshire.
There will also be two alerts for rain from midnight, extending across the south and east of England, parts of south Wales, the Midlands and the north west.
In all areas except East Anglia and Lincolnshire, this will end at 18:00 and the alert will continue until 21:00.
As Storm Benjamin moves across the UK from the English Channel, an additional warning for wind will cover parts of south-west England and west Wales from 6am to 3pm, with a risk of gusts reaching 55mph along exposed coasts and headlands.
Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and parts of West Wales as far as Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Anglesey will be affected.
The Met Office said: “There is a small chance of wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph in parts of Kent and Sussex in the early morning hours, with gusts up to 55 mph in coastal areas. However, conditions are likely to improve here for at least a period on Thursday morning.”
“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 recommends checking loose items outside the home, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences, to prevent injuries from flying debris or property damage.
The storm, named by MeteoFrance, will have the biggest impact on France and Belgium, but will also affect unsettled weather in the UK.
A yellow warning for rain has been issued from midnight to 9pm across the south and east of England and parts of south Wales as forecasters warned of the possibility of flooding to homes and businesses.
Some areas, particularly the South West, could see up to 50mm of rain on Thursday morning.
“There is a small chance of a few places exceeding this, most likely over North Devon and Cornwall and more generally to the east of the highlighted area,” the Met Office said.
“Conditions are expected to become windy and stormy, initially along the south and east coasts, but more widely across southern Britain during the day on Thursday.”
The forecaster said heavy rains could cause disruptions to public transport, difficult driving conditions due to splashes and road water, as well as flooding of some homes and businesses.
Five day weather forecast in England
Tonight:
The showers are ending in Scotland, leaving a cold night with fog and patches of frost. Heavy rain is spreading north and east across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The southern coast is windy.
Thursday:
Rain continues to move eastwards across central and southern England. Windy weather is expected in the south, and storms are likely along the west and east coasts. I feel colder than the last few days.
Outlook from Friday to Sunday:
By Friday, the winds will ease and the rain will be sunny and showery. Colder and scattered showers on Saturday, wintry over the Scottish highlands. There is rain across the West on Sunday.
