A powerful storm named Storm Herminia is bringing high winds and heavy rain to parts of the UK, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread disruptions.
UK Hit with High Winds as Storm Herminia Rolls In
Storm Herminia has brought high winds and heavy rain to parts of the UK, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread disruptions.
Storm Alert: Yellow Warnings Issued for Wind and Heavy Rain
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and heavy rain across most of England, with heavy rain also forecast for Northern Ireland, Wales, and southern Scotland. The strongest winds are expected to hit the south-west of the UK, where Storm Éowyn largely escaped.
Power Cuts and Flooding Disrupt Daily Life
Thousands of properties have been left without power in Devon and Cornwall, while reports of flooding and downed trees on several roads across south-west England have caused disruptions. Residents have been urged to stay away from the coast due to crashing waves.
Dozens of flood warnings and alerts are in place across southern and central England, with flooding also disrupting some travel routes. The Met Office has warned that heavy rain will continue into Monday, with an increased risk of flooding across southern parts of England, Wales, and the Midlands.
Storm Herminia’s Impact
Gusts are expected to reach 70mph (112km/h) or more around exposed coasts, while areas inland can expect wind gusts of up to 50mph. Berry Head in Devon recorded gusts of 83mph on Sunday morning, with a chance that even stronger gusts could push northwards across England overnight into Monday.
Storm Herminia was named by the Spanish weather service Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) on Friday, bringing heavy rains and wind to parts of Spain and France. The storm has also caused flooding in western France, with cars and buildings submerged in floodwaters.
The Met Office has stated that Storm Herminia is not powerful enough over the UK to be named a storm by the Met Office, unlike the far more powerful Éowyn, which left a trail of destruction and disruption after causing several rare red weather warnings.
