Britain is bracing for powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 75 mph and as much as two inches of rain over the next 21 hours, following the designation of Storm Benjamin.

The Met Office has issued a warning that these adverse weather conditions could bring about significant travel disruptions, potential flooding, power outages, and even structural damage in the areas under alert.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been activated, covering a broad swath of southern England, the East Midlands, certain parts of Wales, and Yorkshire. This warning remains in effect through tomorrow until 9 p.m.

Residents in these regions should prepare for intense rainfall beginning tonight, with forecasts predicting up to 50mm (2 inches) in some locations by early tomorrow morning.

Experts have indicated that certain areas, notably North Devon, Cornwall, and parts of the East of England, may experience even heavier rainfall.

These anticipated downpours could lead to public transport disruptions, challenging driving conditions due to spray and road flooding, and potential flooding of residential and commercial properties.

A separate warning for wind tomorrow is in place from 9am until 11.59pm, covering the east of England up to Scarborough where gusts of up to 75mph may develop.

For the majority of the yellow alert area, gusts of up to 55mph are expected with 65mph possible near coasts, the Met Office said.

People walking on the Tarr Steps across the River Barle at Exmoor National Park yesterday

People shelter from the rain under umbrellas on Garret Hostel Bridge in Cambridge on Monday

Strong winds may lead to power cuts, transport disruption and damage to buildings with a small chance of injuries and danger to life caused by large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts and coastal roads, the forecaster warned.

Another yellow alert for wind tomorrow covers South West England and parts of Wales, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Swansea and Pembrokeshire.

Gusts of up to 45mph are expected widely within this area, while winds of up to 60mph could be reached along exposed coasts and headlands.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said some ‘very unsettled weather’ caused by low pressure was expected from tonight into tomorrow.

He said: ‘The low is deepening as it crosses the UK, it’s likely to bring a swathe of strong winds as well, gales around southern and eastern coasts, the risk of 60mph gusts in some exposed spots, perhaps even a touch more in places.’

Before today, conditions are expected to be a ‘mix of bright spells and showers’, he added.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: ‘Thursday is set to be a challenging day for drivers, with the evening commute likely to be a very wet and windy affair for many.

The Met Office said a strengthening arm of the jet stream – a fast moving ribbon of air high up in the atmosphere – has the potential to develop a deep area of low pressure by Thursday

‘We urge drivers to slow down according to the conditions, leaving a much bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front, and be wary of the buffeting effect of the wind when they pass high-sided vehicles.

‘On more rural routes, flooding is a very real possibility so drivers must never be tempted to risk it by driving through standing water unless they’re confident it’s shallow enough to get through safely – it’s always better to turn around and find another route.

‘Those taking to the roads on Friday should also be extra vigilant, as branches and other debris may have been blown onto roads – another reason why driving more slowly in these sorts of weather conditions is so important.’

The impact of Storm Benjamin is set to be strongest in northern France and Belgium, and it was named today by Meteo France – rather than the UK’s Met Office.

The next storm on Britain’s list is Storm Bram, after Storm Amy – the first storm of the 2025/26 season – hit north-western parts of the country in early October.