Brits are preparing for heavy downpours tonight as up to two inches of rain and winds of more than 70mph are set to batter the country.
Swathes of the UK are bracing for travel disruption, flooding, power cuts and damage to buildings ahead of the arrival of Stormed Benjamin at midnight.
The Met Office has released two yellow warnings for rain covering most of southern and eastern England, and parts of Wales, which will be in place until 6pm and 9pm on Thursday.
Those within the affected regions have been warned to expect up to 50mm (2ins) of rain, while parts of the East Midlands, the East of England and Yorkshire could see up to 90mm (3.5in).
A separate warning for wind on Thursday is in place from 3am until 11.59pm, covering the east of England from Brighton up to Scarborough.
Another yellow alert covering south-west England and parts of Wales, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Swansea and Pembrokeshire will come into force from 6am until 3pm.
For the majority of the yellow alert area, gusts of up to 55mph are expected with 70mph are possible near coasts, the Met Office said.
Strong winds could to lead to injuries and danger to life caused by large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts and coastal roads, the forecaster warned.
The Met Office has released two yellow warnings for rain covering most of southern and eastern England, and parts of Wales. Two other warnings for wind are also in place along the east and west coasts
Brits are preparing for heavy downpours tonight as up to two inches of rain and winds of more than 70mph are set to batter the country. Pictured: People shield themselves from the rain in Rochester on Monday
People walking on the Tarr Steps - an ancient clapper bridge dating back to around 1000BC - across the River Barle in the Exmoor National Park
The Met Office said that outside the warning areas, Thursday will bring sunny spells and blustery showers, which may merge into longer spells of rain.
On Friday, these conditions will continue across much of the country, with winds remaining strong and coastal gales likely in the east and northeast.
It will turn colder over the weekend as an Arctic Maritime airmass spills southwards in the wake of Storm Benjamin, the forecaster said.
There will be a mix of sunny spells and blustery showers, while on Sunday there may be a brief window of drier and brighter conditions before rain later.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris 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.'
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: 'Thursday is set to be a challenging day for drivers, with the evening commute likely to be a very wet and windy affair for many.
'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.
The Met Office said a strengthening arm of the jet stream - a fast moving ribbon of air high up in the atmosphere - has the potential to develop a deep area of low pressure by Thursday
'On more rural routes, flooding is a very real possibility so drivers must never be tempted to risk it by driving through standing water unless they're confident it's shallow enough to get through safely - it's always better to turn around and find another route.
'Those taking to the roads on Friday should also be extra vigilant, as branches and other debris may have been blown onto roads - another reason why driving more slowly in these sorts of weather conditions is so important.'
The impact of Storm Benjamin is set to be strongest in northern France and Belgium, and it was named today by Meteo France - rather than the UK's Met Office.
The next storm on Britain's list is Storm Bram, after Storm Amy - the first storm of the 2025/26 season - hit north-western parts of the country in early October.