Storm Henk has battered the United Kingdom with ferocious 94mph winds and unleashed flash floods, sending shockwaves through major transportation hubs and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The impact has been so severe that it has prompted evacuations, grounded flights, and even toppled the British Army’s newest Apache helicopter.
The first named storm of 2024, Henk’s rampage has been particularly menacing, prompting authorities to issue stern warnings to Londoners, advising them to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
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The Met Office said that as low pressure moves north-eastwards the strongest wind gusts also move eastwards across the UK with many parts of southern England, the south Midlands and East Anglia experiencing 50-60mph gusts through the afternoon and evening. Inland gusts could reach up to 60-70mph in one or two places for a time.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen, said: “Further wet and windy weather is forecast for the UK this week. Our latest analysis of the forecast shows an increase in the likelihood of very strong wind gusts across parts of southern Wales and England which is why we have issued this Amber warning this morning and named Storm Henk.
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“Storm Henk will initially bring very strong winds to the southwest of England and Southern Wales, with gusts of up to 80mph possible. As Storm Henk moves north-eastwards across the south of the UK through Tuesday the strongest winds will also move eastwards, across the south Midlands, Home Counties and East Anglia through the afternoon and evening.
Commuters faced unprecedented challenges as Thameslink and South Western Railway issued do-not-travel advisories, causing chaos for those attempting to navigate the transportation networks.
South Western Railway urged passengers not to travel across its network on Tuesday evening because of “extreme” disruption caused by Storm Henk.
Dover also faced disruptions, warning of ferry cancellations, while London Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, experienced severe gusts of 60mph, resulting in diversions, delays, and cancellations.
The storm’s impact reached a grim pinnacle when a woman was hospitalized after being struck by a falling tree. The relentless winds created an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability, with emergency services stretched to their limits, responding to incidents across the affected regions.
Transportation Nightmare
The transportation system bore the brunt of Henk’s fury, disrupting the daily lives of thousands. Thameslink and South Western Railway’s do-not-travel warnings left many stranded, exacerbating the challenges faced by commuters attempting to navigate the treacherous conditions.
The iconic London Heathrow, a global aviation hub, also witnessed scenes of chaos as planes were diverted, delayed, and cancelled.
Simon Calder, The Independent’s travel correspondent, reported on the widespread disruptions at Heathrow.
A Cathay Pacific aircraft from Hong Kong found itself landing at London Gatwick, while a British Airways flight from Aberdeen faced multiple delays, eventually touching down in Manchester before proceeding to Heathrow hours later than scheduled.
British Airways, a major carrier, had to cancel 30 flights to and from London Heathrow, primarily affecting short-haul routes to Amsterdam, Belfast City, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Even London City, known for its operational efficiency, couldn’t escape the storm’s impact. British Airways canceled multiple return trips to Rotterdam and single rotations to Amsterdam and Glasgow, causing further chaos in an already tumultuous situation.
Military Hardware Toppled
Storm Henk further managed to topple the British Army’s newest Apache helicopter, a formidable piece of military hardware, during its battering of southern Britain. The Apache AH-64E attack helicopter, with a price tag of approximately £412 million, lay on its side next to emergency workers and a fire engine on an airfield in Middle Wallop, Hampshire
Amidst the chaos, a human tragedy unfolded as a woman found herself crushed by a falling tree. Emergency services rushed to the scene, highlighting the precarious conditions created by Henk’s powerful winds. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the real and immediate dangers posed by such extreme weather events.
The emergency response system was put to the test as teams worked tirelessly to rescue and evacuate affected individuals. Hospitals braced for an influx of storm-related injuries, and shelters were opened to accommodate those displaced by the severe weather conditions.
In the context of the new year, Henk’s early onslaught raises concerns about the potential frequency and severity of storms in the coming months. Climate scientists and meteorologists may scrutinize this event to assess whether it fits into broader patterns of extreme weather events associated with climate change.
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