Storm Herminia brings destructive winds and flooding to the UK
- Severe weather warnings for wind and rain were issued as Storm Herminia arrived in the UK after Storm Eowyn.
- The storm caused significant travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and railway service interruptions.
- The aftermath of the storms has led to flooding, power outages, and evacuations, indicating a continued severe weather threat.
The UK is currently grappling with the aftermath of Storm Herminia, a low-pressure system that has caused significant disruption across the country, particularly impacting southern regions. This follows the severe impact of Storm Eowyn, which brought hurricane-force winds and resulted in two fatalities. The Met Office issued multiple weather warnings for wind and rain as Herminia approached, bringing with it wind gusts reaching up to 83mph. The storm's heavy rains have led to flooding, with over 50 flood warnings in place, particularly affecting the south-west where the environment agency is urging immediate action for those living in vulnerable areas. Transport services faced severe disruptions with numerous flight cancellations primarily at Heathrow, impacting thousands of passengers en route to both domestic and European destinations. Rail services were also affected, exacerbating the challenges posed by the inclement weather. As Storm Herminia made its way across the UK, it was reported that properties were flooded, and a major incident was declared in Somerset due to the extent of the flooding, which necessitated evacuations. The troubles the UK faces stem from a sequence of storms already affecting the region. Just prior to Herminia, Storm Eowyn wreaked havoc, leaving more than a million people without power and leading to uprooted trees and damaged buildings. This combination of successive storms is contributing to an already saturated ground, prompting fears about further flooding and the impacts on infrastructure and safety. Forecasters predict that while Storm Herminia is not expected to be as disastrous as Storm Eowyn, it will continue to inflict damage in the form of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The Met Office remains vigilant, issuing warnings that suggest potential danger to life from flooding in certain areas. The weather forecast indicates that unsettled conditions will persist through the week, highlighting the ongoing challenges for communities recovering from the storms.