Storm Benjamin has already reached speeds of 100mph as sections of the UK brace for strong winds and up to four inches of rainfall today.
The highest wind velocity was documented overnight in Fécamp, situated in northwest France, with the storm causing disruptions during the morning rush hour in southern England.
The Met Office has issued four yellow weather warnings for wind and rain encompassing a large portion of Southeast England and East England. The primary warning, pertaining to rain, spans across most of England and Wales, including locations such as York in the north, Cornwall in the south, and Swansea in the west.
<p Expectations include potential flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions as the remnants of Storm Benjamin traverse the UK.
Stay updated with the latest developments through our live blog below.
Localized flooding has been observed in parts of southeast England and the Midlands this morning as a result of sudden rainfall bursts induced by the storm.
Combining high tide with stormy conditions, choppy sea conditions have been witnessed along Britain’s coastlines this morning, with sizable waves crashing against the seafront in Skegness.
Challenging landing conditions for pilots have been created by strong winds and heavy rain – however, a WizzAir flight managed to land safely at Leeds Bradford airport this morning.
This morning, National Rail has advised passengers to exercise caution while traveling today, given that incidents on the network have spiked during previous storms.
Although there may be service delays and cancellations, current disruptions seem to be relatively minimal today, as stated by a spokesperson.
According to the Met Office, individuals should take necessary precautions to prepare for a storm:
Images captured from southwest France earlier today display elevated waves brought about by Storm Benjamin – similar scenes are unfolding along the south coast of England as the deep low-pressure system moves northward.
In France, where Storm Benjamin made landfall first, the interior minister Laurent Nunez confirmed a significant emergency services response across “multiple regions.”
He communicated on X (previously Twitter): “Since early this morning, Storm Benjamin has already impacted multiple regions.
“Emergency services are fully engaged.
“I am closely monitoring the situation and urge everyone to be cautious, particularly during travel, and to adhere to the authorities’ guidance.”
Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians navigated a partially flooded road section near Euston Station in central London this morning as Storm Benjamin made its way into the UK.
The evening rush hour is likely to be challenging across much of southern England, with weather warnings in place for wind and rain.
The storm initially impacted France, where wind speeds peaked at a formidable 160 km/h (100mph) overnight in Fécamp, a coastal town on the English Channel.
Today, persistent rain is forecasted across England and Wales, gradually clearing towards the North Sea. Scattered showers, some heavy and thundery, are anticipated elsewhere. Widespread windy conditions are expected, with the potential for severe gales along eastern and potentially some western coasts. Temperatures are anticipated to drop, resulting in a colder environment.
During the night, rain will slowly clear from the far east, persisting in parts of eastern Scotland. Showers are also expected in the west, while drier conditions with some clear intervals are foreseen elsewhere. Wind speeds will gradually diminish.
Tomorrow, regions in the east are projected to experience cloudy conditions with outbreaks of rain in northeastern Scotland. Other areas can expect variable cloud cover with sunny spells and showers, some heavy in the southwest. Blustery winds will prevail, contributing to a cold atmosphere.
Even for areas not under weather warnings, today is expected to be wet, with only a few locations in the far north likely to remain dry. The heaviest rainfall is predicted in East Anglia and south Lincolnshire, where isolated rainfall totals of 60-90mm (
