Met Office issues amber weather warning for Suffolk, including Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds, due to Storm Henk

Heavy winds are expected to hit Suffolk today as Storm Henk batters the East of England.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather alert for wind, warning residents of potential danger to life, damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.

It will be in place from 10am to 8pm today, and coastal areas could see gusts of up to 80 mph, the authority warned.

Yesterday, the authority placed a yellow weather alert for wind and rain associated with the storm.

The new amber alert is in effect for all of Suffolk, including Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft and Newmarket.

It also applies to areas of Norfolk, including Diss, Thetford and Norwich.

According to the weather forecast, Felixstowe is expected to see wind speeds of up to 57 mph and Southwold could see speeds of up to 58 mph.

The Met Office said there is a ‘good chance’ of power cuts, alongside damage to buildings, the cancellation of public transport services, road and bridge closures.

In addition, it warned that there could be injury or danger to life from large waves and beach material being blown inland.

Debris being sent flying could also pose a risk.