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Forecasters have warned of possible travel disruption and power cuts as Londoners brace for rush-hour chaos caused by Storm Benjamin. London is predicted to be hit by torrential showers and 50mph gusts, with the Met Office issuing yellow weather warnings for wind and rain for the capital. Beginning in the early hours of Thursday, the wind alert is in place throughout the day and into the night. There will be a deluge of heavy rain overnight with a rain alert in the capital in place until 6pm on Thursday. Flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and increased chances of accidents, while public transport is set to be disrupted, the Met Office has warned. RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “We urge drivers to slow down according to the conditions, leaving a much bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front, and be wary of the buffeting effect of the wind when they pass high-sided vehicles.” Passengers are urged to plan their journeys ahead of time amid fears that trains will be forced to operate at reduced speeds due to damage to overhead lines. Transport for London — which runs the city's Underground, Overground, Tramlink, Docklands Light Railway, buses and licensed taxis — confirmed they are not putting out any specific travel advice in relation to Storm Benjamin. But commuters who plan to use rail services such as Heathrow Express and South Western Railway have been advised to check timetables prior to departure. The treacherous conditions could cause delays or cancellations to flights running out of London’s six airports. KLM, the Dutch airliner which operates out of transport hubs such as London City Airport, said: “We are closely monitoring the situation.” There is also a small chance of injuries and danger to life, as well as damage to buildings, caused by blistering winds and flying debris. Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “It is worth noting that there is a greater than usual uncertainty surrounding the track and intensity of this low-pressure system, so the public should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation evolves, with adjustments to the forecasts likely at short notice." Winds elsewhere in the country could reach up to 75mph during the storm.
