Britons brace as Storm Austen batters UK with 80mph winds
The Government of Jersey has been forced to shut schools, colleges, sports centres and libraries to brace for winds
TL;DR
- Storm Austen is the first named storm of the season, with gusts expected up to 80mph.
- An amber warning for wind is in place for Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly, indicating a danger to life.
- Yellow warnings for wind cover a large area of south west England and Wales.
- The Government of Jersey has closed schools, colleges, sports centres, and libraries.
- Potential impacts include flying debris, damage to buildings, and dangers in coastal areas.
- Mobile phone coverage and power supply could be affected.
- Fallen trees and branches may obstruct roads and railways, impacting the Friday morning commute.
- Travel disruptions include lower speed limits on railways in Devon and Cornwall, fewer trains, and cancelled ferry sailings.
- North-west France and Brittany could face gusts near 90mph.
- Some areas are warned of flooding, with one flood warning in place for the South Devon coast.
- Storm Boelo is expected to bring impactful winds to Northern Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern England over the weekend.
- There are calls for Britons to prepare for 'everyday risks' by stockpiling food.