A severe weather system named Storm Benjamin poses a significant risk to life as it approaches eight counties in the UK, with wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 70mph. Weather experts have issued an Amber weather warning, signaling a potential danger to life in the affected areas on Thursday.
Storm Benjamin, identified by MeteoFrance, is currently situated over northern Spain and is projected to reach the UK by 6pm today. British Weather Services’ senior meteorologist, Jim Dale, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall could lead to hazardous conditions in multiple regions.
The storm is expected to impact the Southwest initially, then move across southern England, including London, before progressing towards East Anglia and eventually the North Sea. Wind speeds are anticipated to peak at 60 to 70mph, particularly in areas like East Anglia, Essex, Kent, and parts of London. The storm’s effects will also be felt in other regions with gusts ranging from 50 to 60mph.
The most severe conditions are predicted to be concentrated in the southeast of the UK, affecting counties such as Essex, Kent, East Anglia, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, and Humberside. The storm is expected to peak in intensity early Friday morning, bringing potentially dangerous gusts of 60-70mph.
Looking ahead, the Met Office forecasts a day of sunny intervals and heavy showers on Friday, with strong winds persisting, especially along coastal areas. The weekend will see a drop in temperatures as a cold Arctic Maritime airmass follows Storm Benjamin, leading to a mix of sunny spells and wintry showers in Scotland. Sunday may offer brief dry and bright spells before rain returns later in the day.