Somerset declares major incident as storm Herminia hits UK
Storm Herminia has unleashed powerful winds and torrential rain across Wales and southern England, prompting widespread disruption and safety concerns. Somerset has declared a major incident as flooding and power outages have forced over 100 evacuations across the county, with heavy rain continuing into Tuesday.
The storm, first recorded in Spain and France, has brought thunderstorms and persistent downpours, leading the Met Office to issue yellow weather warnings across affected areas. Southern England is under a warning until 10:00 GMT Tuesday, while south-west Wales remains on alert until 21:00 GMT Monday. Forecasters warn of flash flooding, transportation disruptions, and structural damage as Herminia sweeps across the region.
Somerset Council has evacuated residents from areas at risk of rising floodwaters, including Chard, Ilminster, Somerton, and South Petherton. A care home in South Petherton was cleared overnight, while residents of a Charlton Mackrell estate were rescued by boat. Emergency rest centers have been set up as road closures, school shutdowns, and other disruptions add to the challenges.
River levels across the county remain critically high, with multiple flood warnings in place. Coastal areas have experienced wind gusts of up to 70mph, while inland regions face speeds of up to 50mph, threatening buildings and transport networks. Over the weekend, wind speeds reached 83mph in Devon and 81mph in North Wales.
National Rail has urged commuters to check for delays, with disruptions reported on ScotRail, Transport for Wales, and CrossCountry services. Recovery efforts are ongoing as Somerset grapples with the storm’s aftermath.
In addition to local impacts, the storm has had international consequences. Herminia originated in Spain, where it brought heavy rains and wind to the northern regions, recording gusts exceeding 62mph. In western France, floodwaters submerged cars and buildings, while a British sailor remains missing after his yacht was found damaged off the French coast.
Although Storm Herminia has caused significant disruption across the UK, the Met Office has not classified it as an official storm due to its lower intensity compared to the devastating Storm Éowyn, which struck just days earlier. Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc across the British Isles, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming two lives. Both fatalities occurred after trees fell on vehicles, one in East Ayrshire, Scotland, and the other in County Donegal, Ireland. Described as the most powerful storm to hit the UK in a decade, Éowyn prompted rare red weather warnings, highlighting its severity.
The aftermath of Éowyn was staggering, with nearly one million properties losing power at the storm’s height. As of Monday, approximately 65,000 homes in Northern Ireland remain without electricity. ScotRail has reported over 500 incidents caused by the storm, including more than 120 fallen trees obstructing railway tracks. Repair efforts are underway, but many communities are still without essential services.
First Minister John Swinney called Storm Éowyn a “wake-up call” about the accelerating impacts of climate change. While Herminia’s effects have been less severe, emergency services continue to work tirelessly to mitigate its impact, with residents across the UK bracing for further disruptions as adverse weather conditions persist.