The United Kingdom is bracing for a turbulent spell of weather as Storm Benjamin, named by Météo France, barrels toward its shores—bringing with it the threat of 75 mph winds, torrential rain, and the risk of widespread flooding. The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warnings for both wind and rain, set to take effect from midnight on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, and continuing through Thursday, October 23. While the storm is expected to have its most severe impact in France, forecasters warn that parts of England and Wales could still face significant disruption.
According to the Met Office, the first wave of heavy rain will reach southwest England around 3pm on Wednesday, before spreading northeast across much of England and Wales. Rain warnings will be in place for southern and eastern regions until 9pm Thursday, with the potential for localised flooding, difficult driving conditions, and delays to public transport. The situation is fluid, with Met Office Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks noting, “Low pressure moving across the south of the UK [on Wednesday] will bring both a spell of heavy rain and areas of strong winds. The rain is expected to spread northeast to many parts of England and Wales during Thursday, leading to difficult driving conditions and the risk of flooding in a few places.”
But it’s not just the rain that has authorities concerned. From 3am Thursday, a yellow wind warning will be in place across eastern England, lasting until nearly midnight. Winds are forecast to pick up along the southern coastal areas first, with gusts of 45 to 55 mph in the west and up to 70 mph near some coasts. In some areas, should the storm intensify beyond current expectations, wind gusts could even exceed 70 mph, according to The Sun. The Met Office cautions that these strong winds could lead to power cuts, injuries from flying debris, and damage to buildings.
“At the same time, northerly winds are expected to develop more widely across eastern areas, with gusts of 50-60 mph fairly widely and up to 70 mph near some coasts,” Hicks added. She also emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the storm’s exact track and intensity, advising the public to “stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation evolves, with adjustments to the forecasts likely at short notice.”
For those living in southwest England and western Wales, the outlook is just as challenging. A yellow wind warning will come into effect at 6am Thursday, remaining in place until 3am Friday, October 24. The Met Office warns that these conditions are likely to cause delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport, while short-term power loss is also possible. Britons are being urged to prepare by carrying batteries and torches, and to plan for potential disruption to daily routines.
The impact of storms like Benjamin is not to be underestimated. According to Aviva, more than one in five UK homes have suffered storm damage over the past five years, while one in eight have experienced flooding. With such statistics in mind, experts are urging households to take practical steps to safeguard their properties ahead of the incoming storm—and for the wetter, more volatile months that may follow.
Securing outdoor furniture is a key recommendation from the Met Office. Items such as ladders, plant pots, and trampolines should be fastened down or brought indoors to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in high winds. Reinforcing loose fences or walls is also advised, as is tightly fastening all windows and doors—including garage doors—to prevent them from being blown open or letting in water.
Heath Alexander-Bew, director at insurance company Alan Boswell Group, highlights the importance of checking window seals before a storm hits. “Weak or poorly sealed windows and doors are often the first points where water enters a home during storms. Beyond causing interior damage, they can compromise the building’s structural integrity under high wind pressure, making early reinforcement essential,” he explained to The Independent. Alexander-Bew also points out that “roof edges are the first point of attack during high winds. Even a single loose tile can quickly lead to leaks, internal water damage, and expensive structural repairs. Addressing these issues before a storm hits can save thousands in potential repair costs.”
Parking vehicles in a garage is strongly recommended during periods of strong winds. If a garage is not available, vehicles should be parked away from buildings, trees, walls, and fences to minimize the risk of damage. Additionally, securing loft trapdoors with bolts—especially if the roof pitch is less than 30 degrees—can prevent them from blowing open and allowing wind to enter the home or attic, as advised by the Met Office.
Another crucial step is to clear gutters and drainpipes of leaves and debris. Blocked gutters can quickly lead to water backing up and leaking into roofs and walls, turning heavy rainfall into serious flooding. “Blocked gutters and drains turn heavy rainfall into serious flooding. Water accumulation can damage walls, basements, and foundations, creating repair bills that could easily be avoided with simple maintenance,” Alexander-Bew noted.
With the risk of flooding heightened, checking your home’s flood risk is also essential. The government provides online resources where residents can enter their postcode to assess long-term flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings. These alerts can be sent by text, email, or phone, providing valuable early notice if flooding is imminent.
For those in high-risk areas, having a flood plan is more important than ever. Stocking up on sandbags to create barriers against rising water is a straightforward precaution, with supplies available from most DIY stores. The Met Office also recommends planning what valuables or essential items would need to be moved to safety, ensuring you know how to turn off gas and electricity, and having a list of important contact numbers—such as the council, insurance, and utility companies—on hand. Preparing a storm kit with battery packs, torches, and copies of important documents can also provide peace of mind in case of power cuts or evacuation.
As Storm Benjamin approaches, the message from forecasters and experts is clear: preparation is key. With the potential for severe weather and disruption over the coming days, taking practical steps now could make all the difference—helping to keep families safe, homes secure, and communities resilient in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
For now, all eyes remain on the latest forecasts, as the nation waits to see just how much of a punch Storm Benjamin will pack.
