Storm Babet: Suffolk to be lashed by strong winds and rain

A 57-hour weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, from 9pm on Wednesday, October 18 until 6am on Saturday, October 21. 

While the weather warning won't start until the evening, Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, said that the effects of Storm Babet will be felt as early as tomorrow morning.

“A notable feature for many eastern locations will be the direction of the wind, which will be coming from the east.," said Mr Madge.

"This is an unusual direction for strong wind at this time of year and this may bring associated unusual impacts.

"Coastal residents and visitors are being advised to take extra caution.”

Weather presenter for the Eastern region, Dan Holley, has tweeted that the Suffolk coast could see wind speeds of between 40 and 50mph. 

The wind will grow in strength throughout the day, according to Mr Holley, and reach its peak on Wednesday evening. 

EAST - #StormBabet:
E/SE winds will strengthen during Wednesday, peaking in the evening with gusts of 30-40mph inland and 40-50mph along Norfolk and Suffolk coast 🍃

Heavy rain will spread northwards mid-late Wed afternoon and into evening, 5-10mm widely and locally 15-20mm 🌧️

— Dan Holley (@danholley_) October 17, 2023

Across the south of the country, between 20mm to 40mm of rain is expected, which may bring some impacts for those travelling along roads. 

Further weather warnings are likely to be announced by the Met Office in the coming days.

Storm Babet is the second named storm of the season, the first being Agnes which brought strong winds to the coast.