LONDON: The United Kingdom is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Henk, which swept across the country, leaving a trail of destruction marked by severe flooding, travel disruptions, and power outages. As hundreds of flood warnings remain in effect, authorities are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the relentless combination of strong winds and heavy rain.
The Isle of Wight, situated off England’s south coast, experienced the full force of Storm Henk on Tuesday afternoon, recording gusts of up to 94 miles per hour (151 kilometers per hour). Along the south coast in Devon, Exeter airport faced winds reaching 81 mph, according to the Met Office weather agency.
Gloucestershire Police reported the death of a man in his 50s near Cirencester, who lost his life when a tree fell on his car during the storm.
Wednesday morning brought no respite, with the Environment Agency issuing a staggering 294 flood warnings and 341 flood alerts in England alone. Residents along the River Nene, near Northampton, faced evacuations from houseboats and caravans due to rising waters.
Storm Henk Destruction Across UK
Wales, too, bore the brunt of Storm Henk, with eight flood warnings, 32 flood alerts, and a severe flood warning indicating a potential danger to life, as reported by Natural Resources Wales.
The Energy Networks Association reported that approximately 10,000 customers were without power as the storm wreaked havoc on the country’s energy infrastructure.
National Highways, responsible for operating and maintaining major roads in England, announced the closure of several key routes due to flooding. With additional rainfall anticipated throughout the day, authorities cautioned that road closures could persist for several hours.
The impact extended to the rail network as well, with train companies warning passengers of disruptions caused by fallen trees obstructing railway lines due to high winds.
Scotland and northern England, still reeling from the effects of late December’s Storm Gerrit, faced further challenges, including the tragic loss of three lives when their car plunged into a river during the earlier storm.
