Storm Benjamin is making its presence felt across the UK, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The Met Office has issued warnings, particularly for the southeastern regions, predicting wind gusts of 65-70 mph near coastal areas of Kent and Sussex.
Wind and Rain Warnings Across the UK
According to the Met Office, gusts exceeding 70 mph could occur along the North Sea coast during the late morning or early afternoon. A yellow wind warning has also been issued for several regions, effective from 06:00 BST until 15:00 BST.
Areas Affected by Strong Winds
- Kent
- Sussex
- Cornwall
- Devon
- West Wales
North-westerly winds are forecasted to reach up to 55 mph in the affected areas, with some locations experiencing gusts of 60 mph. The impact of the storm is not limited to the UK; severe weather is also predicted for parts of western Europe, affecting countries such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Impact on Sporting Events
The impending storm has prompted adjustments to sporting events scheduled in the affected regions. The Europa League has announced that two matches initially set for Thursday have been rescheduled to accommodate the adverse weather conditions.
Rescheduled Matches
- Feyenoord vs. Panathinaikos: New kick-off at 16:30 local time (15:30 BST), moved forward by 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- AZ Alkmaar vs. ŠK Slovan Bratislava: Rescheduled from 21:00 to 18:45 local time.
As Storm Benjamin continues to develop, residents are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest weather updates and safety precautions.
