UK: Flooding and disruptions ongoing across parts of England and Wales as of early Jan. 5 due to Storm Henk

Strong winds and heavy rainfall brought by Storm Henk has led to ongoing flooding and disruptions to transport and utilities across England and Wales as of early Jan. 5. Storm Henk impacted the region Jan. 2. Parts of Worcestershire, Bedford, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, northern Yorkshire, and Sussex as well as thousands of acres of crops and farmland are flooded. One person was killed by a falling tree near the town of Kemble in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire.

Authorities have declared a major incident in Nottinghamshire. The River Trent in Nottinghamshire burst its banks, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of homes in Radcliffe-on-Trent. Alney Island, Gloucester, was evacuated late Jan. 4 as flood defenses were close to overtopping. Access to Tewkesbury was almost cut off as of Jan. 4, with main roads closed or submerged due to flooding.

Train services on the Great Western Railway and South Western Railway were disrupted Jan. 4 due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Disruptions on the Great Western Railway are likely to continue through midday Jan. 5, while services between Yeovil Junction and Exeter on the South Western Railway are suspended Jan. 5. Canada Water and Turnpike Lane stations on the London Underground were also closed late Jan. 4.

Environment Agency England has issued hundreds of flood warnings across England. Natural Resources Wales is maintaining flood warnings for Rivers Ritec and Wye, as well as flood alerts across most of the rest of central and southern Wales.

Rising river levels could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected area.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.