Skip to content

Disruption continues across Suffolk following Storm Henk

Dana Nicole Flooded footpath in Needham MarketDana Nicole
The footpaths behind Alder Carr Farm in Creeting St Mary, near Stowmarket, were completely flooded in the storm

Clean-up efforts are continuing after Storm Henk caused disruption across the county.

Many homes in Suffolk experienced power outages, while roads flooded and cars were damaged by falling trees.

The Met Office has issued a Yellow warning for East of England, stating further rain may cause more flooding due to already saturated ground.

Suffolk Highways has responded to more than 20 flood reports across the county since the storm's arrival.

Kelly Pepper A flood road beneath a railway bridgeKelly Pepper
The road beneath the railway bridge on the B1078 Coddenham Road in Needham Market was flooded in the storm

A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways said it had doubled the "available resources" in order to manage the storm's impact, adding: "Work included pumping water away, placing flood boards out and jetting pipes in flood-hit locations.

"Work continued throughout the night to ensure where possible the county's roads could remain open."

Dan Holley, of the forecasting company Weatherquest, said: "With the ground so saturated, any additional rainfall is already causing issues with flooding."

He added the village of Wattisham had just had its wettest year on record.

Matt Marvel/BBC Michael Burgess standing next to a fallen treeMatt Marvel/BBC
A tree fell and damaged three vehicles at Michael Burgess' property on Nacton Road, Ipswich

An amber weather warning was issued on Tuesday with wind speeds expected to reach up to 70mph (113kmh) in some places.

Michael Burgess, of Nacton Road, Ipswich, said three family vehicles were damaged when a tree collapsed onto his driveway.

"We heard a bang... the tree had come over and landed on all [of] the vehicles, and lifted the neighbours car in the air," he said.

"We've lost the front wall and the fence. Lucky enough, the house looks all right but the van looks like a write off."

Matt Marvel/BBC A car lifted off the ground by fallen tree rootsMatt Marvel/BBC
A car on Nacton Road, Ipswich, was lifted off the ground by the roots of a fallen tree

On Tuesday, rail services between Ipswich and Norwich were cancelled because of trees touching overhead wires.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Greater Anglia said "all lines are now open" following an overnight recovery operation, and apologised for the "severe disruption".

They added that there are "residual delays on many routes" and advised customers to check before they travel.

Elaine Bloor A flooded garden in BadleyElaine Bloor
Elaine Bloor, who lives in Badley, near Stowmarket, said she had never seen so much water in her garden

Residents in Elmsett, near Hadleigh, came together to help those still without power, opening the Methodist Church for the community to charge phones and have a hot drink.

UK Power Network said most power supplies have been restored and there were no longer "widespread power issues".

"Work will continue until remaining properties are reconnected today," a statement from the firm said.

presentational grey line

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830