Storm Benjamin is set to batter the UK this week with heavy downpours and winds exceeding 70mph, forecasters have warned. The storm, named by Meteo France, will bring severe weather conditions that prompted the Met Office to issue three yellow weather warnings for Thursday.
The warnings cover possible disruption, flooding, power cuts and building damage across numerous areas. Despite the anticipated wet and windy conditions, the storm has not yet earned an official name from the Met Office.
Rain warnings span multiple regions
A yellow weather warning for rain will cover most of southern England, the East Midlands, parts of Wales and Yorkshire from Wednesday evening until 9pm on Thursday. Heavy rainfall is expected to begin Wednesday evening, with up to 50mm possible in some areas by early Thursday morning.
The affected regions should prepare for significant rainfall totals that could cause localised flooding. The weather service has highlighted the potential for widespread disruption across these areas.
Wind alerts bring multiple threat zones
A separate wind warning covers the east of England from Brighton up to Scarborough, running from 9am until 11:59pm on Thursday. Most of this yellow alert area will experience gusts of up to 55mph, with 65mph possible near coastal areas.
Strong winds may cause power cuts, transport disruption and building damage, the Met Office warned. There is also a small chance of injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts and coastal roads.
Another yellow wind alert covers south-west England and parts of Wales, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Swansea and Pembrokeshire. Gusts of up to 45mph are expected widely, while exposed coasts and headlands could see winds reaching 60mph.
Forecasters highlight unusual uncertainty
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris emphasised the unpredictable nature of this weather system. "It is worth noting that there is a greater than usual uncertainty surrounding the track and intensity of this low-pressure system," Harris said.
"So the public should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation evolves, with adjustments to the forecasts likely at short notice," he added. The warning underscores the need for residents to monitor weather updates closely as conditions develop.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
