Storm Henk’s destruction pictured as UK battered by 94mph winds
Andy Wells
The UK is recovering from the devastating effects of Storm Henk, which caused flooding and destruction to many areas.
Gusts of over 90mph brought down trees, scaffolding and caused power cuts in the first named storm of 2024.
The Energy Networks Association – which collates data from all energy providers – estimated that 10,000 customers were still without power on Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday, a woman was injured by a falling tree in Orpington, Kent, as high winds hit, while a man in his 50s died after a tree fell on the car he was driving in Kemble, Gloucestershire, on Tuesday during strong winds and heavy rain.
Cars and trains were left damaged by falling trees, while railway operators warned of delays and cancellations as a result of trees falling onto tracks and damaging overhead power cables.
Meanwhile, major roads still faced closures on Wednesday morning due to flooding and trees reading on power cables above the road.
Network Rail said transport delays would continue as train services get back on track.
More than 300 flood warnings were in place across England and Wales on Wednesday morning, as the country deals with they after-effects of Storm Henk.
A severe flood alert, meaning danger to life, was in place for the River Nene in Northampton, which warned of deep and fast-flowing water at the Billing Aquadrome holiday park and nearby business parks.
Transport delays were ongoing as commuters attempted to make their way to work on the first week back after Christmas.
More rain is expected in many areas throughout the day, prompting National Highways to warn of road closures that could last for several hours.
The strongest gales on Tuesday were recorded at the Needles Old Battery in the Isle of Wight, where wind speeds reached 94mph.
Gusts of 81mph were reached at Exeter Airport in Devon, and top winds hit 71mph at the Isle of Portland in Dorset and also at Mumbles Head in Glamorgan.
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