Storm Henk batters UK - as 94mph gusts cause widespread disruption and damage

Storm Henk wreaked havoc in the UK, unleashing winds reaching 94mph and causing widespread damage. The southwestern regions of England and South Wales bore the brunt of Henk's fury, leading to the toppling of trees and scaffolding. Southern England, the South Midlands, and East Anglia also experienced intense winds.

Notable incidents included gusts of 94mph on the Isle of Wight, fallen trees disrupting a rail line in Hastings, and planes struggling to land at Heathrow. Exeter Airport faced gusts of 81mph, while locations like the Isle of Portland in Dorset and Mumbles Head in South Wales experienced winds of 71mph.

Major rail services, including Thameslink, South Western Railway, and Southern Railway, advised passengers to avoid unnecessary travel. Dartford Crossing southbound had to close for approximately four hours due to strong winds, causing significant delays.

Flood warnings and alerts covered 292 locations in England, indicating expected flooding across southern and central regions. Homes were at risk of inundation, and travel disruptions were anticipated. In Warwickshire, fire crews rescued a driver stranded in floodwater at Kenilworth Ford, emphasizing the dangers of navigating such conditions.

The River Ouse in York overflowed due to storm-induced rainfall. Incidents included a heroic rescue in Hall Green, Birmingham, a woman injured by a falling tree in Orpington, southeast London, and the toppling of an Apache helicopter in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

An amber warning for wind, issued by the Met Office, expired on Tuesday evening, highlighting concerns about flying debris and life-threatening conditions in coastal areas. Motorists were urged to drive cautiously, and homeowners were advised to secure loose objects.

The storm left approximately 38,000 people without electricity, with Energy Networks Association technicians working to reconnect over 100,000 customers affected by damaged power lines.

तूफ़ान हेन्क ने ब्रिटेन को तबाह कर दिया है - 94 मील प्रति घंटे की रफ़्तार से चलने वाली आंधी के कारण बड़े पैमाने पर व्यवधान और क्षति हुई है।