Driver killed by tree falling on his car in 80mph Storm Henk winds

Police say a man in his 50s died in the incident in Gloucestershire on Tuesday afternoon

A motorist has died after a tree fell on the car he was driving in Gloucestershire as strong winds and heavy rain battered the UK during Storm Henk.

Gloucestershire Police said emergency services were called at around 3.15pm on Tuesday to reports of a large fallen tree on the A433 Tetbury Road near the junction with the A429, close to Kemble.

A man in his 50s, from the Bath area, died in the incident. His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

Drivers face difficult driving conditions near Folkestone in Kent as Storm Henk batters the UK (PA Wire)

Police were called to reports of a large fallen tree on the A433 Tetbury Road near the junction with the A429 (Google Maps)

The force said the road remains closed while recovery and investigation work continues. A police spokesman asked motorists to find alternative routes. The force is also appealing for witnesses.

Have you been affected? Email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk

It comes as a woman was injured by a falling tree in Orpington on Tuesday amid high winds and heavy rain brought by Storm Henk, which saw power cuts, transport troubles, property damage and disruption across the UK.

The strongest gales on Tuesday were recorded at the Needles Old Battery in the Isle of Wight, where wind speeds reached 94mph. Gusts of 81mph were reached at Exeter Airport in Devon, and top winds hit 71mph at the Isle of Portland in Dorset and also at Mumbles Head in Glamorgan.

More than 300 flood warnings were also in place across England and Wales on Wednesday morning, while 10,000 homes remained without power.

A fallen tree in Forest Hill, London during Storm Henk (PA)

The Ford in Kenilworth after a car had tried to drive through flood water (PA)

The UK’s rail network was hit by flooding and power cuts on Tuesday afternoon, with many operators reporting ongoing issues for the morning commute on Wednesday.

National Highways said several major roads in England are currently closed, adding: “With more rain expected in many areas throughout the day, it is anticipated that the roads will remain closed for several hours.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had received 140 flood-related calls in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire Police said a large number of homes were being affected by flooding in Loughborough, with police closing Belton Road from the junction of Jubilee Drive to Meadow Lane and A426 Lutterworth Road from Little Glen Road To Leicester Road Roundabout in Blaby.