Weather warnings remain in place as storm Henk hits Bucks Beds and Herts
Strong winds and rainfall are expected into the evening
Last updated 2nd Jan 2024
An amber warning for strong winds remains in place across Buckinghamshire Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire as the UK continues to face Storm Henk.
The north borders of the three counties could also be hit by rainfall, as a yellow warning remains for parts of the UK.
Roads are already reported to have flooded, and flying debris caused by strong winds could cause a risk to life.
Rescue services are urging drivers to adapt their travel routes, as officers have already received an increase in callouts for weather-related emergencies.
"...a couple of roads in the Newport Pagnell area had been closed due to flooding."
Group commander at the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Stuart Grosse, said: "We get called to flooding situations to people's properties, but also people stuck in cars in flood situations."
"We've been told this morning that a couple of roads in the Newport Pagnell area had been closed due to flooding."
Fire and Rescue Services are wanting residents to avoid going outside to reduce the risk to life and lift pressures to their service.
Mr Grosse said: "The public need to be aware that, if there is something they can do, such as stay inside, reduce their travels today, that reduces the risk to them and we can attend incidents where we are needed."
"...there is a danger of debris flying around"
Mr Grosse insisted on the need to ensure no items are left at risk, such as unsecured trampolines in gardens, which can fly away and cause damage to property or create a threat to life.
"We do get called to wind-related incidents where structures have been damaged by winds."
"People at home should be aware that with these strong winds, there is a danger of debris flying around", he added.
The Met Office are issuing regular updates, with warnings due to be lifted by the morning.