Storm Henk causes disruption across parts of the country

Storm Henk brought widespread heavy rain and strong winds across parts of the country in the first days of January 2024, causing disruption to roads and power supplies. Derbyshire Community Health Services published an update and advice notice on 3 January 2024, and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution reported on its response in central southern England the same day¹.

SSEN said wind gusts in excess of 70mph were observed in coastal areas and higher ground, with gusts of over 60mph more generally across its central southern England region, some 10 to 15mph higher than originally forecast. Fallen trees, branches and other wind-borne debris damaged the overhead electricity network. As of 10am on 3 January, SSEN said it had restored power to over 56,000 homes and was working to restore the remaining 1,900 customers through the course of the day². A welfare unit providing hot drinks and food was mobilised to The Blacks Head Inn, Bletchingdon, OX5 3DA, from 3:30pm, with SSEN noting that opening times would vary and directing people to its social media channels for the up-to-date list².

The Derbyshire notice said surface water was expected across local roads. It advised people to travel only if it was safe to do so, to watch weather and flooding updates, and to avoid areas known to be at higher risk of flooding. It said people should never drive or walk into floodwater, even if it appears shallow, and should not ignore "Road Closed" signs. It also said to avoid parking in areas more prone to flooding, and that road issues such as trees down or flooding could be reported to the county council online¹.

The notice asked people to look out for vulnerable neighbours, especially those with care services who may not be able to reach them, and said to follow councils, the NHS and emergency services on social media, listen to local radio and check Derbyshire's flooding updates. It also pointed to free Environment Agency flood warnings sign-up¹. Quoting RAC guidance, it said not to turn on a vehicle's engine until the extent of any damage is known, because water may have damaged the engine and electronics¹.

Why it matters for households

For households in the affected parts of central southern England, the immediate consequence was loss of power, with SSEN reporting around 1,900 customers still off supply on the morning of 3 January². SSEN said people who have had no power for more than 12 hours are entitled to £30 per person for every day without power, to cover the cost of food and drink, and should keep receipts and claim costs back at www.ssen.co.uk/stormclaim². It asked anyone who sees damage to its power equipment to keep their distance, not touch it, and report it by calling 105 or via the Power Track App².

For households in Derbyshire and other areas covered by the NHS notice, the practical effect was surface water on local roads and the risk of flooding on routes people might normally use. The advice attributed to the trust was to travel only if safe, to avoid floodwater on foot or in a vehicle, and to check official updates¹. The trust also said it must prioritise its most vulnerable and urgent patients and ensure the safety of all staff during any disruption to services¹. Further detail on river, sea, surface water and groundwater flooding is set out in our guide to types of flooding, and guidance on driving in high winds is in how to drive safely in strong winds. Households weighing whether to travel can read should I delay my journey in bad weather?, and the storms and snow and flooding hubs collect the related guidance.

What happens next

SSEN said it would restore power to the remaining 1,900 customers through the course of 3 January, with updated estimated restoration times issued to customers and proactive welfare calls made to Priority Service Register customers². The Derbyshire notice asked people to continue to watch weather and flooding updates¹. No further dated steps for Storm Henk have been reported in these sources.