January 2nd 2024.
The UK has been hit hard by Storm Henk, with 94 mph winds and heavy rain. As a result, emergency services were called to Station Road in Orpington, London, where a woman had been crushed by a falling tree. She was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
Residents in the capital were warned to stay indoors, and the Met Office issued an amber warning for wind covering a central swathe of England. People were advised to expect travel disruption, roof damage, and power cuts across southern England, the Midlands, East Anglia, and Wales.
The winds reached 94 mph at the Needles Old Battery in the Isle of Wight, 81 mph at Exeter Airport in Devon, and 71 mph at both the Isle of Portland in Dorset and Mumbles Head in Glamorgan.
A broad yellow warning for rain was also in place for Tuesday evening, with 10-20 mm of rain falling across the regions, and a few areas receiving 30-40 mm.
The Energy Networks Association estimated that 38,000 customers were left without power due to the storm damage, with technicians attempting to restore the electricity as quickly and safely as possible.
The Environment Agency reported 246 flood warnings and 353 alerts, warning of flooding in England and Wales. They also advised people to stay away from swollen rivers and avoid driving through flood water.
The storm also caused disruption to travel, with motorists being stopped from using the bridge at the Dartford Crossing heading south due to the strong winds. National Highways estimated some motorists could face delays of up to two hours, and diverted traffic that was sent through a tunnel.
National Rail also warned passengers not to travel, as multiple incidents across the entire network had affected all routes.
In addition to the human casualties, the storm caused destruction to buildings and infrastructure. In Forest Hill, London, another tree was blown over and landed on a car in Beckenham Grove, Bromley. In Tooting, south-west London, a tree was blown over, and in Greenwich, south-east London, a large panel of scaffolding fell from a building due to the strong winds.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out to The Ford in Kenilworth to rescue a motorist who had got stuck trying to drive through flood water. Urging people not to take any unnecessary risks, they used an inflatable sled to retrieve the car's occupants.
In conclusion, Storm Henk has caused extensive damage to the UK, and will continue to cause disruption and destruction in the upcoming days. People are being warned to stay informed, stay indoors, and stay safe.
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