Storm Henk batters UK – as 94mph gusts cause widespread disruption and damage

UK

Storm Henk has battered the UK with winds of up to 94mph, felling trees and scaffolding.

Henk has pummelled southwest England and south Wales, with many parts of southern England, the south Midlands and East Anglia also experiencing strong winds.

Gusts of 94mph were recorded on the Isle of Wight, with fallen trees blocking a rail line in Hastings – causing major delays.

A tree blown over by the wind and crashed into the portico, knocking it down in Tooting, south west London. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Storm Henk, which is forecast to bring gusts of up to 80mph to parts of the UK. Picture date: Tuesday January 2, 2024.
Image:
A tree scythed down by the wind in south west London

Handout photo taken with permission from the social media site X, formerly Twitter, posted by @catherinejw_ of scaffolding that fell off the front of a building on Creek Road. Greenwich, London. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Storm Henk, which is forecast to bring gusts of up to 80mph to parts of the UK. Issue date: Tuesday January 2, 2024.
Image:
Scaffolding fell off the front of a building in Greenwich

Pic: Thames Ditton
Image:
Pic: Thames Ditton

Thameslink, South Western Railway and Southern Railway have told passengers not to travel unless necessary.

Footage has shown planes struggling to land at Heathrow, with one BA jet taking off again as it reached the runway during a landing.

Planes struggle to land at Heathrow as Storm Henk sweeps across country
Image:
Planes struggle to land at Heathrow

In other developments:

• Police say a “hero” entered flood water in Hall Green, Birmingham, to rescue a trapped driver and three-year-old child
• A woman was hit by a tree in Orpington, southeast London, and taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening
• An Apache helicopter on an army airfield in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, was toppled in high winds

More on Extreme Weather

An amber warning for wind – issued by the Met Office – expired at 8pm on Tuesday evening.

Forecasters had warned of flying debris and a danger to life from large waves in coastal areas.

Motorists were urged to drive slowly, and homeowners were told to secure garden furniture and other loose objects.

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