Meteorologists have issued warnings for wind and rain across parts of England and Wales as a deep area of low pressure, named Storm Benjamin by Meteo France, pushes in from the west. While the worst impacts are expected across the near continent and France, the UK will see an unsettled spell with heavy rain, strong winds, and potential disruption to travel.
Warnings are in place for a total of 8 areas across the UK.
- London & South East England
- South West England
- East of England
- East Midlands
- West Midlands
- Yourkshire & Humber
- Wales
- North East England
Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Hicks said: “Low pressure moving across the south of the UK tomorrow will bring both a spell of heavy rain and areas of strong winds.”
Significant north-westerly winds are expected to affect western areas from Thursday morning, with gusts of 45 to 55 mph, locally up to 55 mph along the coast.
Northerly winds will develop across eastern regions, with gusts of 50-60 mph widely, and up to 70 mph near some coasts. Should Storm Benjamin reach the stronger end of expectations, there is a small chance of gusts exceeding 70 mph in isolated locations.
Rebekah Hicks continued: “The rain is expected to arrive from the southwest this evening, before spreading northeast to many parts of England and Wales during Thursday, leading to difficult driving conditions and the risk of flooding in a few places. At the same time, winds are expected to pick up along southern coastal areas.
“However, it is not until Thursday morning that significantly strong north-westerly winds will first begin to affect parts of the west with gusts of 45 to 55 mph, locally 55mph around coasts expected. At the same time, northerly winds are expected to develop more widely across eastern areas, with gusts of 50-60 mph fairly widely and up to 70 mph near some coasts. Should Storm Benjamin be at the stronger end of expectations, there is a small chance of wind gusts very locally exceeding 70 mph for a time.
“It is worth noting that there is a greater than usual uncertainty surrounding the track and intensity of this low-pressure system, 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.”