Storm Benjamin is set to batter the UK with heavy rain and winds exceeding 70mph this week, causing widespread disruption and stranding British tourists across Europe. The Met Office has issued three yellow weather warnings for Thursday, covering southern England, the East Midlands, parts of Wales, Yorkshire, and coastal areas from Brighton to Scarborough.
The storm, named by Météo-France, is expected to bring up to 50mm of rain in some areas from Wednesday evening, with gusts of up to 65mph near coasts. Power cuts, transport disruption, and damage to buildings are likely, along with a risk of injury from large waves and debris on seafronts.
Another wind warning covers south-west England and parts of Wales, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Swansea, and Pembrokeshire, where gusts of up to 60mph are expected on exposed coasts. The Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris noted uncertainty in the storm's track and intensity, urging the public to stay updated.
British tourists across Europe have been left stranded as flights and ferries are cancelled or delayed due to the storm's impact. Travel disruptions are expected to continue as the system moves eastward, affecting major transport hubs.
