The Met Office has issued three yellow weather warnings as Storm Benjamin is set to batter parts of the UK with heavy rain and winds exceeding 70mph on Thursday. The storm, named by Météo-France, is expected to cause disruption, flooding, power cuts, and potential damage to buildings.
A yellow rain warning covers most of southern England, the East Midlands, parts of Wales, and Yorkshire, in effect until 9pm on Thursday. Heavy rainfall is expected from Wednesday evening, with up to 50mm in some areas by early Thursday morning.
Wind warnings are in place from 9am to 11.59pm on Thursday. One covers eastern England from Brighton to Scarborough, with gusts of up to 55mph generally and 65mph near coasts. Another warning for south-west England and parts of Wales, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Swansea, and Pembrokeshire, forecasts gusts of up to 45mph widely, reaching 60mph along exposed coasts.
The Met Office warned that strong winds may lead to power cuts, transport disruption, and damage to buildings, with a small chance of injuries or danger to life from large waves and debris thrown onto seafronts and coastal roads. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris noted greater than usual uncertainty regarding the storm's track and intensity, advising the public to stay updated with forecasts.
