Britain is preparing for disruption as Storm Benjamin brings winds exceeding 70mph and heavy rain, leading to potential flooding, power outages, and travel disturbances across various regions. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings as the storm approaches, with strong gusts and downpours expected from early Thursday. Southern and eastern parts of Britain are under a yellow rain warning, while yellow wind warnings cover eastern England, southwest England, and parts of Wales.
The weather conditions are projected to worsen throughout the morning, posing risks of building damage, debris falling, and delays in travel. Wind speeds are set to increase starting at 6am on Thursday, with areas like Kent and Lincolnshire facing gusts of up to 80mph and 75mph, respectively. Norwich is also forecasted to experience high winds nearing 80mph. Inland regions such as Southampton, Oxford, and Swindon will not be spared, with strong gusts and heavy rain anticipated during the morning rush.
The southwest and Wales are likely to encounter particularly forceful gusts, especially in exposed coastal zones. Northern regions may experience milder wind speeds but will see a drop in temperatures, notably in Scotland due to cooler air from the north Atlantic. By midday, the situation is expected to deteriorate further, with winds possibly reaching nearly 90mph across the southern UK, affecting areas like south Wales, the southwest, the southeast, and London.
From Manchester southwards, strong winds are predicted to persist throughout the afternoon, with little change expected by 3pm. The storm will continue to impact the southern half of Britain, maintaining high gusts and persistent rainfall in already saturated areas. By 6pm, the same regions will remain on alert, with even stronger gusts up to 88mph forecasted to move northward towards Leeds, Bradford, and the Yorkshire Dales.
The final surge is anticipated around 9pm, with the strongest winds returning to the southeast. Wind speeds could peak at 90mph in locations like Norwich, Essex, Kent, and London, posing intense conditions for both the southeast and northeast of England. Chief Met Office Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks highlighted the potential for wind gusts exceeding 70mph and advised the public to stay updated on evolving forecasts and warnings due to uncertainties surrounding the storm’s track and intensity.