Met Office weather warnings upgraded: 70mph winds to strike as Storm Henk smashes into Britain

“A spell of very strong winds will affect parts of southwest England and south Wales late morning and early afternoon, then parts of southern England, the south Midlands and East Anglia during the afternoon and evening,” the UK’s national weather service said.

“Gusts of 70-80 mph are likely on exposed coasts in the west. Inland, gusts of 50-60 mph are more probable, but perhaps briefly 60-70 mph in one or two places.”

The Met Office has warned about potential power cuts, damage to buildings, travel issues, road closures and injuries or danger to life from large waves and flying debris.

A number of local authorities have been included in the warning.

Residents across the East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, South West England, Wales and West Midlands have all been hit with the amber alert.

Separate yellow weather warnings for wind and rain are in place in other parts of England and Wales.

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Torrid conditions also come as Britain faces a number of flood warnings and alerts.

The Environment Agency confirmed 109 flood warnings and 286 flood alerts were in place across England.

Six flood alerts and warnings have been issued in Scotland and a further 38 are in force in Wales.

Storm Henk comes after Storm Gerrit ripped through the UK last week.

Storm Gerrit led to travel chaos and a rare supercell thunderstorm.

It would appear poor conditions are here to stay for the remainder of the week.

In its Wednesday forecast, the Met Office said: “Rain across northern and eastern Scotland will ease.

“Otherwise tomorrow will be a day of sunny spells and blustery showers, heavy with hail and thunder in the south and west.”

The forecast between Thursday and Saturday added: “Whilst scattered heavy showers are still possible to end the week, this period will be drier and less windy than of late. Turning colder with overnight frosts becoming more likely.”