A STORM which could endanger people’s lives in the Wellington and West Somerset areas was sweeping through the county on Tuesday (January 2).

The Met Office named it Storm Henk and issued its first amber weather warning of the winter, which sat alongside two yellow alerts for heavy rain and strong winds.

The two yellow alerts will be in place until 9 pm while the amber alert runs until 8 pm but carries a greater threat.

A Met Office spokesperson said Storm Henk could see 80 mph winds in coastal areas which ‘could lead to injuries or danger to life’.

The spokesperson said flying debris such as roof tiles and large waves and beach material thrown on to roads and properties in coastal areas posed the most risk to life.

There was also a likelihood that homes and businesses could suffer power cuts and other services such as mobile phone coverage could be affected.

Disruption to road, rail, air, and ferry travel should also be expected with journey times taking much longer than usual.

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Further wet and windy weather is forecast for the UK this week.

“Our latest analysis of the forecast shows an increase in the likelihood of very strong wind gusts across parts of southern Wales and England which is why we have issued this amber warning this morning and named Storm Henk.

“Storm Henk will initially bring very strong winds to the South West of England and southern Wales, with gusts of up to 80 mph possible.

“As Storm Henk moves north-eastwards across the south of the UK through Tuesday, the strongest winds will also move eastwards, across the south Midlands, Home Counties, and East Anglia through the afternoon and evening.”