The Met Office has issued three yellow weather warnings as Storm Benjamin is set to bring heavy downpours and winds exceeding 70mph to parts of the UK on Thursday. Named by Météo-France, the storm is expected to cause disruption, flooding, power cuts, and potential damage to buildings.
A yellow warning for rain covers most of southern England, the East Midlands, parts of Wales, and Yorkshire, in effect until 9pm on Thursday. Up to 50mm of rain could fall in some areas from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, leading to possible flooding and travel delays.
Two yellow wind warnings are also in place. The first, from 9am to 11:59pm on Thursday, covers the east of England from Brighton to Scarborough, with gusts of up to 55mph inland and 65mph near coasts. The second warning affects south-west England and parts of Wales, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Swansea, and Pembrokeshire, where gusts of up to 45mph are expected widely, reaching 60mph on exposed coasts.
The Met Office warns of potential power cuts, transport disruption, and danger to life from large waves and debris on seafronts. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris noted uncertainty in the storm's track and intensity, advising the public to stay updated with forecasts as adjustments may occur at short notice.
