UK weather – live: Major incident and evacuations underway as rivers burst banks and floods spark travel hell

A major incident has been declared in Nottinghamshire as residents have been evacuated amid flash flooding from Storm Henk.

Heavy rain has unleashed upon parts of England and will continue overnight on Thursday as the Met Office warns 15 hours of rain will wreak further havoc.

Rising water levels in River Trent prompted Nottinghamshire Council to declare a major incident as latest forecasts show peaks could come close to the highest levels on record from the year 2000.

Residents from five mobile homes at Radcliffe Residential Park, off Cliff Road, were rescued by firefighters on Thursday. A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said the water levels will continue to rise over the next 12 hours.

A yellow weather warning for rain across south England has been issued until 3am on Friday, with much of the area already affected by groundwater caused by Storm Henk.

Commuters face chaos as National Rail confirmed flooding of the railway between Reading and Newbury has caused some lines to be blocked, resulting in delayed or cancelled trains.

Train services running across the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink networks may be cancelled or delayed as a result of the severe weather, National Rail said.

Key Points

• Major incident declared in Nottinghamshire amid flooding fears

• Evacuations underway in Nottinghamshire as river levels rise

• Motorist killed by falling tree

• Danger to life flood warning among more than 300 in place across UK

• Disruption to South Western Railway services set to continue

This flood is an evil one, says landlord of flooded pub

21:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A pub landlord whose premises are under water has said the latest flood has been “an evil one”.

Mario Thomas, 65, who has been the landlord of The Boat Inn in Jackfield, Shropshire, since March 2022, said it has been the third flood he has seen at the property in less than 12 months, adding that the pub is “prone to flooding” due to its proximity to the River Severn and a nearby brook.

Story continues

However Mr Thomas, who runs the business with his wife Lisa Thomas, 50, said this has “been the worst of the three” and has “taken us by surprise, immensely”.

It comes as a major incident has been declared amid widespread flooding in Nottinghamshire just days after disruption caused by strong winds and rain from Storm Henk.

According to forecasters, the storm has left the ground saturated and more prone to flooding.

Mr Thomas said a nearby brook close to the River Severn had burst its banks and flooded the pub and neighbouring properties.

“It certainly made me cry (on Thursday) to see the devastation it’s caused, it is unbelievable,” Mr Thomas told the PA news agency.

“It took us by complete shock and within literally hours, (the water) just kept rising so fast.

“The last two (floods) have been OK, but this one, this is an evil one.”

20:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Storm Henk: Man stranded on a shed roof rescued from deep floodwater

Woman, 87, dies after car crashes into fallen tree during Storm Henk

19:43 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

An elderly woman driver has died after hitting a fallen tree which had been reported fallen to police around 90 minutes earlier as Storm Henk battered the country.

The 87-year-old, who has not been named, was in a red Smart Forfour when she collided with it near Crays Pond, Oxfordshire at around 5.25pm on Tuesday.

Thames Valley Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as the fallen tree was one of a number of similar reports received approximately an hour and a half before the collision.

Woman, 87, dies after car crashes into fallen tree during Storm Henk

19:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Councillor Roger Upton, a Nottinghamshire County and Rushcliffe Borough councillor for Radcliffe-on-Trent, said he had never seen flooding so bad since moving to the area in the 1970s.

He said: “I’ve lived in Radcliffe since 1975, and I’ve regularly come down here over the years and seen various floodings. It was bad in 1977, and it was bad in 2000, and in my opinion, this is the worst I’ve seen in those years.

“It’s very disruptive to the local community here.

“We have managed to evacuate some residents that live on the river bank of the Trent, some locally but the majority to Gamston, where the borough council has agreed to a hotel behind a pub there, so that’s good.

“It is worrying. All the water in the River Trent, from Staffordshire, Derbyshire, the River Dove, the River Soar, all the rivers, it all comes through here eventually and it’s that time lag. When the rain stops, it takes days for it to come through here.”

Residents say River Trent water level highest seen in 20 years

18:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The chairwoman of a parish council in Nottinghamshire has said the water level of the River Trent is the highest she has seen in more than 20 years.

Anne McLeod, of Radcliffe-on-Trent Parish Council, told the PA news agency several people who live in Radcliffe Residential Park have been moved out of static caravans and into a nearby hotel.

Ms McLeod said: “It’s directly adjacent to the Trent so they get it quite badly, but in my memory, and I’ve lived in Radcliffe since 1975, this is the highest it’s been since 2000 when it last flooded that area.”

She added: “Families and friends have moved people to other accommodation, and one person was evacuated by the fire brigade because of mobility issues because he couldn’t walk out.”

Several of the homes are without electricity, Ms McLeod added.

Travel chaos as commuters suffer wrath of Storm Henk

17:26 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Flooding from Storm Henk has caused travel chaos as commuters face disruption on rail lines this evening.

National Rail confirmed flooding of the railway between Reading and Newbury has caused some lines to be blocked, resulting in delayed or cancelled trains.

Train services running across the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink networks may be cancelled or delayed as a result of the severe weather, National Rail said.

Evacuations underway in Nottinghamshire as river levels rise

17:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Evacuations in Nottinghamshire have started as flooding devastates a caravan park in Radcliffe-on-Trent.

Residents from five mobile homes at Radcliffe Residential Park, off Cliff Road, were rescued by firefighters on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said the water levels will continue to rise over the next 12 hours.

Jill Whitworth, who has lived at the park for six years, told the Nottingham Post: “I’ve never seen it like this.”

The 67-year-old added: “I’m not worried about it reaching mine but I’m sorry for everyone along the bottom.”

Fire service warns drivers against attempting to push through flood water

16:51 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service have warned residents not to risk driving through flooded roads.

The service posted a video of a rescue team saving a car stuck in fast-flowing water on X.

Rising levels along River Trent

16:09 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Nottinghamshire County Council said a major incident was declared “due to rising levels along the river Trent” and that residents who live in flood risk areas should be prepared to evacuate their homes.

In a statement, Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Key tributaries which feed in to the river Trent, including the river Derwent, the river Soar and the river Dove, have already reached their peaks and high water levels will now pass down the Trent, which is likely to lead to the flooding to properties and roads.

“Residents who live in the flood risk areas are being asked to ensure they have preparations in place in case they are asked to evacuate. Councils, emergency services and the Environment Agency have been providing emergency support to communities impacted and will continue to provide support across the county.”

Major incident declared in Nottinghamshire as flooding expected

15:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A major incident has been declared in Nottinghamshire as torrential rain from Storm Henk is expected to cause further flooding.

Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Local Resilience Forum have taken the decision due to rising river levels along the River Trent, which is yet to peak.

Latest forecasts are currently showing that peaks along the River Trent could come close to the highest levels on record from the year 2000, according to the council.

Motorist killed by falling tree as homes evacuated after Storm Henk flooding

15:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed this…

A motorist has been killed by a falling tree as 90mph winds battered the Isle of Wight, and homes were evacuated, after Storm Henk brought flooding and disruption.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said a man in his 50s died while driving near Kemble, and more than 200 flood warnings remained in place on Wednesday, with severe flooding at holiday parks near Tenby, south-west Wales, and Northampton.

Speaking about the motorist, a Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesman said: “Emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended the location which is between Tetbury and Cirencester.

Motorist killed by falling tree as homes evacuated after Storm Henk flooding

Environment Agency warns more flooding possible amid heavy rain forecast

14:24 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Environment Agency has warned surface water & river flooding is possible in parts of the country as heavy rainfall is forecast for Thursday evening.

Yellow weather warning today and tomorrow

13:54 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from 12pm on Thursday with rainfall expected to travel in a north-east direction across the south of England, lasting until 3am on Friday.

It added there is a “small chance” that communities could become cut off by flooded roads.

The warning comes in the wake of Storm Henk that battered the UK on Tuesday and forced people to evacuate their homes, leaving one man dead from a tree falling in 90mph winds on the Isle of Wight.

The Met Office added that the spell of rain on Thursday was falling on already saturated ground which could cause “further flooding and travel disruption”.

It said: “The track of the heaviest rainfall remains very uncertain, but there is a chance of 20 to 30 millimetres falling in six to nine hours across a portion of the warning area, with a few places perhaps seeing 40 to 50 millimetres.

“Impacts are more likely due to the current very wet ground across the region.”

Heavy rain expected overnight

13:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Met Office warned an area of cloud will bring heavy rain overnight on Thursday across southern areas.

More trains could be cancelled as Met Office issues weather warnings

13:30 , Lydia Patrick

Train operators said more services could be cancelled as people across the south of England face further warnings of flooding, power cuts and road closures.

Great Western Rail, which runs services westwards from London, said its trains from Swindon and Bristol Parkway remain closed due to flooding on the tracks during Storm Henk.

Trains are being diverted via Bath or Temple Meads potentially adding 40 minutes to passengers’ journeys, it said.

The train operator said passengers could expect further disruption if high levels of rain return.

Sewage spills on to public path as treatment works overwhelmed by flood water

13:00 , Lydia Patrick

Raw sewage has spilled from a flooded treatment works in Surrey after Storm Henk caused the River Mole to burst its banks.

Pollution spread over a public footpath beyond the fence of the unmanned Thames Water facility.

Heavy rain across southern England has led to the majority of Thames Water’s storm overflows discharging sewage into rivers and ground water.

It is likely that other water companies are also discharging more than usual but only Thames Water has published a live interactive map of its monitors on rivers.

Simon Collins, of the organisation River Mole River Watch, said the Horley treatment works near Gatwick Airport has flooded four times since Storm Ciaran hit the UK in late October.

3pm deadline for GWR travellers

12:47 , Lydia Patrick

Rail passengers heading for south-west England have been warned to start their journeys before 3pm due to likely flooding.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain across south England until 3am on Friday, with much of the area already affected by groundwater caused by Storm Henk.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said customers travelling by rail to Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall should leave as soon as possible, with services likely to be delayed or cancelled later on Thursday.

In a statement, the firm said: “With further flood warnings in place and the amount of rain forecast, Network Rail has identified key sites in Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall as being at risk of flooding from around 1500. Trains may not be able to operate through these areas.”

Services between Paddington and Swindon will operate but may be affected by flooding elsewhere, the firm added.

GWR said customers with tickets for later services on Thursday could use them on earlier trains.

Watch – Residents wade through flooded Loughborough road after Storm Henk

12:30 , Lydia Patrick

Residents wade through flooded Loughborough road after Storm Henk

Tewkesbury left underwater

12:00 , Lydia Patrick

Heavy rainfall has left the town of Tewksebury in north Gloucestershire underwater.

Social media users have documented the chaos , with main roads reportedly overcome with flooding.

Watch – London building partially collapses and damages vehicles during Storm Henk

11:40 , Lydia Patrick

London building partially collapses and damages vehicles during Storm Henk

More trains could be cancelled as Met Office issues weather warnings

11:20 , Lydia Patrick

Train operators said more services could be cancelled as people across the south of England face further warnings of flooding, power cuts and road closures.

Great Western Rail, which runs services westwards from London, said its trains from Swindon and Bristol Parkway remain closed due to flooding on the tracks during Storm Henk.

Trains are being diverted via Bath or Temple Meads potentially adding 40 minutes to passengers’ journeys, it said.

The train operator said passengers could expect further disruption if high levels of rain return.

Pictured – Severn Stoke underwater yesterday

11:00 , Lydia Patrick

Road closures due to flooding

10:40 , Lydia Patrick

Nottingham has been struck by a series of road closures due to heavy flooding.

Police issued an update with all the roads closed since they have been submerged under water.

Here is a list of all the roads closed today: A6097 Gunthorpe Bridge, between A46 and A612; Main St, Junction Moor Lane, Zouch; Nursery Close, Collingham; Remembrance Way, Radcliffe on Soar Power Station Underpass;Churchgate, Colston Basset; Main Street / Park Lane, Sutton Bonnington; Stoke Lane, Burton Joyce;Ton Lane East, Lowdham;The Priors, Lowdham ;Station Road, Lowdham; Main Street, Lowdham; Nottingham Road, Southwell; Lingwood Lane, Woodborough; Main Street, Lambley; Hoveringham Road, Caythorpe / Hoveringham; A617 at Kelham; Manor Road, Shelford; Cropwell Bishop Road, Tithby; A52 at Nottingham Knight; B6304 Carburton crossroads onto lime tree avenue; Trent side Gunthorpe bridge down to public house road; Goosemoor Lane, Ordsall; Station Road, Sutton Bonnington; Moor Road, Bestwood Village Road and High Street, Girton.

Village of Severn Stoke submerged

10:20 , Lydia Patrick

A small village in Worcestershire has been hit by heavy flooding after Storm Henk unleashed powerful downpours across the country.

The hamlet was completely cut off by flooding yesterday and children had to be evacuated from school, report the mail online.

Despite the floodwaters, a pub has insisted they are still open for business.

The Rose and Crown Pub said: “We are trying to save a business and 19 staff we employ, I know we are joking about for a few minutes but it’s very dangerous yes, but worth the risk for my loyal staff.

“We need to bounce back as soon as we can, it’s our 5th flood in 3 years, bloody nightmare.”

Village overwhelmed by floodwaters

10:00 , Lydia Patrick

The village of Quorn in Loughborough has been inundated with floodwaters the highest anyone has seen in decades.

Villagers told the BBC it was the worst flooding they had seen in 30 years.

Flooding disruption in Herefordshire

09:40 , Lydia Patrick

A councillor has warned of floodwaters on Homs Road in Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire this morning.

Councillor Daniel Lister said: “Levels are sitting at 4.80m this morning and expected to peak later today. The highest we have seen was 5.10m in 2020.

“I hope the water stays back and we don’t reach those levels unfortunately, I can’t come out this time to take a look or help anyone that may need it but I hope the Below link will help it is up to date flooding information and the relevant numbers you may need.”

Mapped- Today’s weather warning

09:20 , Lydia Patrick

Yellow rain warning in place

09:00 , Lydia Patrick

The Met Office have issued a yellow rain warning as more downpours are set to cause disruption across the south of England.

More rain is due to fall onto saturated ground which is likely to lead to more flooding, travel disruption and power cuts.

Travel disruption across Nottinghamshire

08:30 , Lydia Patrick

Wilford Lane in West Bridgford, Nottingham is closed due to heavy flooding.

The tram has closed and buses have been diverted.

ICYMI – Motorist killed by falling tree as homes evacuated after Storm Henk flooding

08:15 , Lydia Patrick

A motorist was killed by a falling tree yesterday as 90mph winds battered the Isle of Wight, and homes were evacuated, after Storm Henk brought flooding and disruption.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said a man in his 50s died while driving near Kemble, and more than 200 flood warnings remained in place on Wednesday, with severe flooding at holiday parks near Tenby, south-west Wales, and Northampton.

Speaking about the motorist, a Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesman said: “Emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended the location which is between Tetbury and Cirencester.

“Despite the efforts of those at the scene a man aged in his 50s and from the Bath area died. His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

“The road remains closed as recovery and investigation work continues and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.”

How many flood alerts and flood warnings are in place?

07:45 , Lydia Patrick

There are 271 flood warnings and 293 flood alerts across the UK today as heavy rainfall is expected to lead to further chaos.

A flood warning means flooding is expected whereas an alert means the overflowing of rivers and other bodies of water is likely.

Drone footage shows holiday homes submerged by water

06:30 , Alexander Butler

Residents have been evacuated from their homes in Northamptonshire due to flooding caused by Storm Henk.

A flood warning is in place for the River Nene at Billing Aquadrome and this drone footage shows hundreds of holiday homes submerged in water.

While the severe warning was downgraded on Wednesday (3 January), the Environment Agency said flooding should still be expected in the area over the coming days.

Fire and rescue teams could be seen wading through flood water at the site to evacuate houseboat residents in a rubber dinghy, after a path connecting boats to the shore was submerged.

Robert Britchford, one of several residents evacuated from caravans at the site, estimated that around 2,000 people had to leave their properties on Tuesday afternoon.

Storm Henk: Drone footage shows holiday homes submerged by water

British Army’s newest Apache helicopter blown over

05:30 , Alexander Butler

The British Army’s newest Apache helicopter was blown over by strong winds as Storm Henk battered parts of southern Britain on Tuesday.

The Apache AH-64E attack helicopter, which can cost around £412million, was pictured lying on its side next to emergency workers and a fire engine on an airfield in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

It is understood no one was injured during the incident, and that all other aircraft remained undamaged. In October, the aircraft was declared “ready for front line duty”.

Weather patterns changing with drier weather expected, Met Office says

04:30 , Alexander Butler

The Met Office has said drier, calmer and colder weather is on its way for the weekend.

“The weather patterns are changing. Drier, calmer and also colder weather is on the way for the weekend and beyond,” the forecaster said on X.

It follows a yellow rain warning issued by the forecaster for the south of England on Thursday and Friday with the chance of power cuts and the flooding of homes.

Almost 2,400 homes without power

02:30 , Alexander Butler

Almost 2,400 homes are without power, according to the Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s power network operators.

This means 7,600 have been reconnected since the association’s last update at 7am this morning.

Since the start of the disruption caused by Storm Henk, more than 170,200 homes have had power restored, the ENA said.

The outtages were the result of debris carried by intensive winds causing significant damage to power lines, said the ENA’s Ross Easton.

Watch: Residents wade through flooded Loughborough road after Storm Henk brings heavy rain

01:30 , Alexander Butler

Watch: London Eye hatch ripped off by wind repaired by engineers

00:30 , Alexander Butler

A family were left terrified when Storm Henk hit the London Eye and blew off part of the roof of their pod on Tuesday 2 January.

David Nock and 11 family members, including five children aged between 11 and 15, were 400ft up the attraction when a service hatch was ripped off in high winds.

The access hatch was left dangling by metal wires as the pod on the wheel rotated its way back down.

Mr Nock and his family watched on as a maintenance crew tried to fix the broken pod and described the whole experience as “terrifying”.

The popular tourist attraction was later closed “due to adverse weather conditions”.

“The noise was quite deafening, it was a bit of a harrowing experience. The kids all found it terrifying,” Mr Nock said.

London Eye hatch ripped off by wind repaired by engineers

Watch: Water surges close to arches of bridge in Derbyshire village after torrential rain

Wednesday 3 January 2024 23:30 , Alexander Butler

Residents in Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire, were prepared for potential flooding on Wednesday 3 January as the River Wye was swollen by Storm Henk.

Water surged close to the arches of the village’s Sheepwash Bridge after the storm battered the UK with torrential rain and winds of up to 90mph.

Meanwhile, several major roads in England were closed due to flooding with rail companies also reporting disruption.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said a man in his 50s was killed by a falling tree while driving near Kemble, while a separate incident saw a woman in Orpington, southeast London, injured.

Water surges close to arches of bridge in Derbyshire village after torrential rain

Watch: Plane sways as it lands in 60mph winds at Heathrow airport

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:30 , Alexander Butler

Watch the moment a plane lands in strong winds at Heathrow airport as Storm Henk hits the UK.

Plane lands in strong winds at Heathrow airport as Storm Henk batters UK

Watch: Storm Henk topples tree and shatters garden fence as winds batter Oxfordshire

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:30 , Alexander Butler

Footage shows damage to a garden fence caused by a fallen tree in Iffley, Oxfordshire, as wind gusts of up 94mph hit large parts of the UK on Tuesday 2 January.

An amber warning for wind issued by the Met Office covered a central swathe of England, informing the public of possible travel disruption, roof damage and power cuts across southern England, the Midlands, East Anglia and Wales.

The Energy Networks Association – which collates data from all energy providers – estimated that 38,000 customers were without power as a direct result of storm damage, as of 7pm on Tuesday.

Storm Henk topples tree and shatters garden fence as winds batter Oxfordshire

Watch: Fallen tree blocks path in London woods as Storm Henk brings strong winds

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:30 , Alexander Butler

A fallen tree blocked the road to a popular cafe in Oxleas Woods, London, on Tuesday 2 January.

Storm Henk brought strong winds and heavy rain across much of southern England and Wales, with the Met Office issuing amber and yellow warnings.

Ben Spiteri captured footage of the fallen tree on Crown Woods Lane, Greenwich, at around 3:15pm on Tuesday.

He told The Independent that eight other cars were in the car park at the time, with people “trying to keep warm” at the cafe, and anybody walking in the woods needing to find an alternative route out.

Mr Spiteri’s footage also showed tree surgeons working to clear the debris on Tuesday afternoon.

Fallen tree blocks path in London woods as Storm Henk brings strong winds

Watch: Garden shed collapses as Storm Henk hits London

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:35 , Alexander Butler

A garden shed collapsed in Greenwich, southeast London, as Storm Henk battered the capital on Tuesday 2 January.

Winds of up to 69mph were registered at Heathrow airport, according to ITV Weather, while strong gusts also downed trees elsewhere.

In footage shared with The Independent, a shed is blown over by the strong winds.

Travel across the south of England was disrupted on Tuesday afternoon, with train companies urging Brits not to travel amid high winds.

Thameslink, which connects South East England and London, told passengers not to travel unless absolutely necessary due to “multiple weather-related incidents across the entire network”.

Garden shed collapses as Storm Henk hits London

Watch: Scaffolding collapses onto road in Greenwich as 60mph winds hit London

Wednesday 3 January 2024 18:30 , Alexander Butler

Scaffolding collapsed onto a road in Greenwich, southeast London, as Storm Henk battered the capital on Tuesday 2 January.

Winds of up to 69mph were registered at Heathrow airport, while strong gusts also downed trees and blew over sheds elsewhere in the capital.

Footage shared on social media shows the aftermath of the scaffolding collapse in Greenwich, with debris blocking traffic on Creek Road.

“Storm Henk causing chaos in Greenwich – this is the building that burned down in 2022! Creek Road is cursed,” X user Catherine Woodhouse wrote, posting the video.

Scaffolding collapses onto road in Greenwich as 60mph winds hit London

Fire service warn against ignoring road closure signs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 17:32 , Alexander Butler

A fire service has warned drivers against ignoring road closure signs following a series of flood across the country brought on by Storm Henk.

“We have been attending several incidents involving vehicles in water. Please do not drive through floodwater & Fords in floods. Please do not ignore Road Closure signs – they are put in place to keep you safe,” Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said on X.

It comes as a total of 586 flood alerts and warnings were issued across the country, with 272 flood warnings enforced, meaning flooding is expected. A further 314 alerts have been issued, meaning flooding is possible.

Weather set to be drier over the weekend, Met Office says

Wednesday 3 January 2024 17:00 , Alexander Butler

The weather is expected to be much drier, calmer, but colder in Britain over the weekend, the Met Office said.

“After a long period of wet and windy weather it’s all calming down as we head into the weekend. Much drier, calmer, and colder weather is on the way with the return of frost and thick fog patches,” the forecaster said on X.

Showers to continue this evening, Met Office says

Wednesday 3 January 2024 16:45 , Alexander Butler

Showers will continue across Britain this evening, with longer spells of rain expected in Scotland, the Met Office said.

“Showers continuing this evening, with some clear spells in between. Longer spells of rain in Scotland with some sleet and snow remaining in Shetland. Staying windy in the far north and south, though light winds elsewhere,” the forecaster said on X.

Watch: Drone footage shows holiday homes submerged by water

Wednesday 3 January 2024 16:20 , Alexander Butler

Nearly 600 flood alerts and warnings in place

Wednesday 3 January 2024 16:00 , Alexander Butler

There were nearly 600 flood alerts and warnings in place across Britain on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Environment Agency.

A total of 586 flood alerts and warnings were issued across the country, with 272 flood warnings enforced, meaning flooding is expected. A further 314 alerts have been issued, meaning flooding is possible.

Risk of flooding despite less rain, Welsh resources body warns

Wednesday 3 January 2024 15:44 , Alexander Butler

There is still a risk of flooding in Wales despite less rainfall over the next few days due to high levels of saturated ground, the Welsh resources body warned.

Natural Resources Wales said the nation was still recovering from Storm Henk and that there was still a risk of flooding in several regions.

“Wales is still recovering from the winds and heavy rain brought on by Storm Henk. Despite lower levels of rain today, saturated ground and high river levels mean there is still a risk of flooding in several areas,” it said on X.

Boy, 7, rescued from cut off village

Wednesday 3 January 2024 15:15 , Alexander Butler

A seven-year-old boy has been rescued from a flooded village in Worcester after heavy rain and strong winds brought by Storm Henk ravaged the region.

Jack was pictured being pushed in a boat along a road in Severn Stoke, which was cut off by the flooding, amid heavy rain and danger to life warnings.

It comes as over 600 flood alerts and warnings remained in place on Wednesday morning as 10,000 homes were without power.

Raw sewage spills on to public path as treatment works floods

Wednesday 3 January 2024 15:00 , Alexander Butler

Raw sewage has spilled on to a public path after a treatment works became overwhelmed by flood water.

Pollution from the unmanned Thames Water facility spread over the pathway in Surrey after Storm Henk caused the River Mole to burst its banks.

Heavy rain across southern England has led to the majority of the company’s storm overflows discharging sewage into rivers and groundwater.

Rigorous checks carried out on London Eye

Wednesday 3 January 2024 14:45 , Alexander Butler

A safety expert team has carried out rigorous checks on the London Eye following claims a safety hatch was blown open by strong winds as a family was trapped inside.

A London Eye spokesperson said: “The safety of our guests and staff is our number one priority, and we have multiple safety procedures in place on the pods.

“Following an isolated technical issue, our expert technical team immediately ensured that guests safely disembarked and conducted further rigorous checks before reopening the attraction that evening.”

It comes after a tourist was left terrified as strong winds ripped the access hatch of a London Eye capsule while he and his family were stuck inside.

David Nock, of Bournemouth, was on the observation wheel when it suddenly stopped at the top of its rotation as wind ripped the pod open.

Watch: Hero saves three-year-old and driver trapped in sinking car during Storm Henk floods

Wednesday 3 January 2024 14:30 , Alexander Butler

Pictured: Flooding in Worcester

Wednesday 3 January 2024 14:15 , Alexander Butler

Tourist left terrified after wind blows London Eye access hatch open

Wednesday 3 January 2024 14:00 , Alexander Butler

A tourist was left terrified as strong winds ripped the access hatch of a London Eye capsule while he and his family were stuck inside.

David Nock, of Bournemouth, was on the observation wheel when it suddenly stopped at the top of its rotation as wind ripped the pod open.

“The wind was so strong it actually ripped an access hatch off the top of the pod we were in. You can imagine, it got very noisy and the wind was blowing and it was slightly terrifying,” he told BBC Radio Solent.

Watch: Car narrowly misses being hit by falling tree as UK battered by Storm Henk

Wednesday 3 January 2024 13:45 , Athena Stavrou

More rain to come, says Met Office

Wednesday 3 January 2024 13:25 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office has warned that more rain is due to come to the UK soon after Storm Hank flooding evacuated residents and closed railway lines.

The forecasters said that Thursday will start dry for much of England although a band of rain is likely to move northeast across the south and east. A yellow National Severe Weather Warning for rain has been issued running from 12 noon to the early hours of Friday morning.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “The track of the heaviest rain remains uncertain but there is chance of 20 to 30 mm of rain falling in a 6 to 9 hour period for a portion of the warning area, with a few places seeing as much as 40-50 mm.

“Much of this rain is falling on already wet ground and therefore, impacts are more likely. Meanwhile, a stalled weather front will continue to bring rain and showers across the northeast.”

Aerial view shows severe flooding of evacuated holiday park

Wednesday 3 January 2024 13:05 , Athena Stavrou

Mapped: UK hit by more than 600 flood warnings and alerts

Wednesday 3 January 2024 12:45 , Athena Stavrou

More than 600 flood warnings and alerts are in place across the UK after Storm Henk deluged much of the country with heavy rain.

On Wednesday morning there were 298 Environment Agency warnings and 346 still in place as 10,000 homes remain without power.

Hundreds of flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, are in place across much of England from the Lake District in the north to Eastbourne in the south.

Flood alerts, where flooding is possible, are even more widespread and cover almost every part of England following Tuesday’s downpours.

New weather warning issued

Wednesday 3 January 2024 12:22 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office has issued a new weather warning for rain just one day after Storm Henk battered the UK with 100mph wind, rain and floods.

The new yellow weather warning will come into place for southern England at midday on Thursday and remain until the early hours of Friday morning/

It comes with a warning that it may lead to further flooding and travel disruption as the rain falls onto already saturated ground.

In Pictures: Dramatic rescue from Northampton holiday park

Wednesday 3 January 2024 11:55 , Athena Stavrou

Around 2,000 people are thought to have been evacuated from houseboats and caravans from a holiday park close to the River Nene.

Billing Aquadrome in Northampton has been overwhelmed by flooding caused by Storm Henk and residents were ordered to evacuate at 2:30pm on Tuesday.

Could be a month before evacuees allowed home

Wednesday 3 January 2024 11:39 , Athena Stavrou

Around 2,000 people are thought to have been evacuated from houseboats and caravans from a holiday park close to the River Nene.

Billing Aquadrome in Northampton has been overwhelmed by flooding caused by Storm Henk and residents were ordered to evacuate at 2:30pm on Tuesday.

Mr Britchford moved to the site in 2016 and said was the second time in three years that it has flooded.

He said: “I’m a bit anxious. We felt it was coming, but we hoped it wouldn’t. Now we have to find hotels. They won’t let us back on until this is all sorted, so it could be a month before we come back on.

“There are no sandbags or anything. I’ve got a bit of decking around mine, and that’s it, so if the water goes over door level, that’s my caravan gone, and I can’t afford a new one.”

Residents evacuate holiday park amid flooding

Wednesday 3 January 2024 11:01 , Athena Stavrou

Several residents have been evacuated from houseboats and caravans at Billing Aquadrome, close to the River Nene near Northampton, due to flooding caused by Storm Henk.

Eddie Hancock, a resident who lives around two miles away from Billing Aquadrome, said the high water levels were “scary” and he had never seen the water so high in around 30 years of living in the area.

He said: “Our house is pretty much OK as we’re further over, we’re up a hill, but it’s drastic. I have never, ever seen emergency services over there.

“It’s worrying. I feel sorry for the poor people on Billing Aquadrome. It’s mad, I wouldn’t want to be over there. It has never, ever been this bad. I thought I would come down and have a look and it is a bad. It’s scary.”

While a severe flood warning, meaning there is a risk to life, previously in place was downgraded to a flood warning on Wednesday morning, the Environment Agency has said river levels will “remain high for the next few days”.

Emergency services are at the scene, with residents in houseboats being taken to the shore in rubber boats after a walkway was submerged by rising water.

Dog walker who jumped into freezing river to save woman thought she was mannequin

Wednesday 3 January 2024 10:48 , Athena Stavrou

A man has been hailed a hero after he jumped into a freezing river to save a woman he at first thought was a mannequin.

Colin McGarva, 31, was taking his dog for a New Year’s Day walk along the River Severn in Worcester when he noticed a woman floating down the stream.

Describing the rescue, he told Worcester News. “The water was freezing. I just had to do it. There was no second thought. I am absolutely fine though I’m getting a bit emotional talking about it now.”

Read the full story here:

Dog walker who jumped into freezing river to save woman thought she was mannequin

More information on motorist killed by fallen tree

Wednesday 3 January 2024 10:28 , Athena Stavrou

A motorist has died after a tree fell on the car he was driving in Gloucestershire on Tuesday during strong winds and heavy rain.

Gloucestershire Police said a man in his 50s died in the incident on Tetbury Road, near Kemble.

Officers were called at around 3.15pm with reports of a large fallen tree on the A433 Tetbury Road near the junction with the A429.

“Emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended the location which is between Tetbury and Cirencester,” a police spokesman said. “Despite the efforts of those at the scene a man aged in his fifties and from the Bath area died. His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

“The road remains closed as recovery and investigation work continues and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.”

Police are appealing for witnesses. The high winds and heavy rain brought by Storm Henk saw power cuts, transport troubles, property damage and disruption on Tuesday across the UK.

Man dead after tree fell on car

Wednesday 3 January 2024 10:13 , Athena Stavrou

A motorist has died after a tree fell on the car he was driving in Gloucestershire on Tuesday, police said, as strong winds and heavy rain battered the UK during Storm Henk.

‘We are not a recovery company’: Fire service tells stranded drivers

Wednesday 3 January 2024 10:06 , Athena Stavrou

A fire service has had to remind drivers that they “are not a recovery company” after receiving calls about cars stranded in floodwater.

Essex Fire Service said they had received 110 calls between 1pm and 8pm on Tuesday as Storm Henk brought strong winds and heavy rain to Essex.

Their crews attended included fallen trees, buildings in dangerous conditions and drivers trapped in floodwater.

“We’ve received lots of calls today asking us to recover vehicles after they have driven into flood water. We are not a recovery company. We do not recover vehicles. Only call 999 in the event of an emergency or risk to life,” they wrote on X.

Rail disruption expected until midday

Wednesday 3 January 2024 09:38 , Athena Stavrou

National Rail has said passengers should expect severe disruption across the network until midday on Wednesday.

Severe weather yesterday impacted a number of Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and Thameslink routes.

Though the weather warning has ended, trains may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.

It comes as more than 300 flood warnings were also in place across England and Wales on Wednesday morning, while 10,000 homes remained without power.

100,000 homes still without power

Wednesday 3 January 2024 09:06 , Athena Stavrou

There are 100,000 homes still without power on Wednesday morning after Storm Henk wreaked havoc on power lines.

The Energy Networks Association – which collates data from all energy providers – said that technicians have reconnected around 125,000 customers and are continuing to connect the remaining homes.

The organisation said: “Some parts of the country have seen winds in excess of 80mph, and it’s the debris carried by this intensive wind which has caused significant damage to power lines in places”

In pictures: Trees blown over as Storm Henk batters the UK

Wednesday 3 January 2024 08:44 , Athena Stavrou

Storm Henk battered the UK with 100mph winds and lashing rain yesterday. Pictures from London and Kent show trees bowed over by the extreme weather, crushing vehicles and falling into front gardens.

The Metropolitan Police were called at 3.14pm to reports that a woman had been struck by a tree in Station Approach. Her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

National Highways say several major roads in England closed due to flooding

Wednesday 3 January 2024 08:27 , Tara Cobham

National Highways said several major roads in England are closed due to flooding.

The A52 in Nottinghamshire was closed in both directions between the A60 (Nottingham Knight roundabout) and the A606 (Edwalton) but one lane of the eastbound carriageway reopened this morning. The westbound remains closed.

The A1 in Lincolnshire is closed northbound from the A52 (Grantham) and the B6326 (near Newark) because of standing water.

The A21 in East Sussex is closed in both directions between the A2100 (near Johns Cross) and the A28 (near Baldslow) because a fallen tree is resting on power cables above the road.

National Highways said: “With more rain expected in many areas throughout the day, it is anticipated that the roads will remain closed for several hours.”

Flooding blocks several parts of Great Western Railway network

Wednesday 3 January 2024 08:26 , Tara Cobham

Great Western Railway said flooding due to Storm Henk has blocked several parts of its network.

Flooding near Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire means all lines are closed between Swindon and Bristol Parkway.

Services between London Paddington and South Wales are being diverted, adding around 40 minutes to journey times.

Flooding also means the route between Liskeard and Looe is blocked, and some lines are closed between Totnes and Plymouth.