Storm Austen to smash UK with 70mph winds and 8cm of rain
Storm Austen is set to smash into dozens of areas across the UK in a matter of hours, with the Met Office issuing "danger to life" warnings. The brutal storm is forecast to bring a spell of very strong winds and heavy rain across southern areas of the UK late this evening and into tomorrow. The Met Office has issued a rare amber wind warning for the whole of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of West Devon. A wider yellow weather warning for wind is also in place from tonight into Friday, and has been updated as confidence in the storm's track and strength increases. Alongside these severe gales, a yellow rain warning has also been issued across parts of southern and eastern Scotland for Friday.
TL;DR
- Storm Austen is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK from Thursday night into Friday.
- Met Office has issued "danger to life" warnings, including a rare amber wind warning for Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, and parts of West Devon.
- Wind gusts could reach 60-70 mph, with exposed coastal locations potentially experiencing 70-80 mph gusts.
- Potential impacts include longer journey times, cancellations for rail, air, and ferry services, flying debris causing injuries, damage to buildings, and power cuts.
- Yellow rain warnings are in place for parts of southern and eastern Scotland.
- Storm Austen is expected to strengthen over the Atlantic and move through the English Channel.