Storm Henk wreaks havoc across UK, leaving one dead and thousands without power
Image credit: EUMETSAT, Zoom Earth, The Watchers. Acquired at 12:45 UTC on January 2, 2024
Storm Henk hit parts of the United Kingdom on January 2 and 3, 2024, leaving at least one person dead and another injured. The storm brought winds of up to 150 km/ (94 mph) and heavy rain, closing several major roads and train lines, and leaving as many as 10000 homes without power. Hundreds of flood warnings are in place across England, Scotland and Wales.
Henk was named by the UK Met Office on January 2, 2024, and subsequently Annelie by the Free University of Berlin the same day, due to the threat of very strong winds. This is the 8th named storm of the 2023/24 European windstorm season.
The Environment Agency issued 333 flood warnings across England, including a severe warning for the River Nene near Northampton. Residents in the affected areas have been evacuated due to the life-threatening floods characterized by deep and fast-flowing water. Additionally, 361 flood alerts have been issued across England, along with warnings and alerts in Wales and Scotland.
Several roads including parts of the northbound A1, A52 in Nottinghamshire, and A21 in East Sussex were closed due to standing water, flooding, and safety hazards like fallen trees. Train services across southern England and Wales have been disrupted, with expected delays and cancellations as the network recovers from the storm’s impact.
The Isle of Portland in Dorset and Mumbles Head in South Wales recorded wind gusts of 114 km/h (71 mph), Exeter Airport 130 km/h (81 mph), and the Isle of Wight experienced the peak at 151 km/h (94 mph).
The Energy Networks Association reported that approximately 10 000 customers were left without power.
A tree fell and crushed a car on the A433 Tetbury Road on January 2, resulting in one fatality. Another individual was hospitalized after being hit by a falling tree in Orpington.
A Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for rain is set for January 4, with expectations of 20 to 50 mm (0.8 to 2 inches) of rainfall in some areas.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert from January 6 to 9, anticipating below-average temperatures and potential hazards like ice due to the wet conditions. A shift towards colder, drier weather is expected, providing a respite from the storm’s immediate effects but introducing new challenges associated with the cold.
References:
1 Major roads closed, some train lines blocked and hundreds of flood warnings in place after Storm Henk hit UK – Sky News – January 3, 2024
2 Storm Henk: Flooding closes roads and rail lines – BBC – January 3, 2024
3 More rain to come – UK Met Office – January 3, 2024
The Watchers team and our contributors bring the latest on extreme weather, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, space weather, and all things science. We're all about making sense of the natural world and keeping you informed on what’s happening. Got a tip or a question? Hit us up using the form at newstips!
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.