Met Office extends warning as Storm Austen approaches southern England

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 11:59 · Archive

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for southern England ahead of Storm Austen, with gusts exceeding 70mph expected on Friday.

The Met Office has extended yellow weather warnings for southern England as Storm Austen approaches. The warnings cover areas including Southampton, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Basingstoke and Andover, with the yellow warning in effect from 10am to 9pm on Friday, October 23, though some warnings have been extended until 5pm.

Gusts of 50 to 60mph are forecast across parts of southern England, while exposed coastal locations could see gusts exceeding 70mph. According to the Met Office, winds could potentially reach 60 to 70mph, combined with spells of heavy rain. Chris Bulmer, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: 'Storm Austen is expected to bring a spell of impactful weather to parts of the UK from Thursday night and through Friday.' An Amber warning has been issued for parts of southwest England due to increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds.

The Met Office has warned of significant disruption to transport services. Road, rail, ferry and bus services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times expected. High-sided vehicles may be particularly affected on exposed routes and bridges. Short-term power cuts are possible, and residents are advised to check travel updates and timetables before journeying.

Bulmer added: 'While there remains some uncertainty in the exact track of the storm, there is increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds across parts of southwest England, which is why an Amber warning has been issued.' The Met Office recommends residents secure loose items outside their homes, such as bins, garden furniture and trampolines.

Households are advised to prepare for potential power outages by gathering torches, batteries and mobile phone power packs. People in coastal areas are urged to be cautious of large waves and to keep dogs on a lead near cliffs. The Met Office has advised residents to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings, as the weather warning may change at short notice.

How it is being reported

• Weather warning issued for Andover as Storm Austen moves inThe Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from 10am to 9pm on October 23, warning of potential disruption to travel and power supplies.Andover Advertiser · 22 Oct, 11:44
• Another weather warning issued for Hampshire as Storm Austen moves inThe Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with gusts reaching gale force and the possibility of travel delays, power cuts, and transport disruption.Romsey Advertiser · 22 Oct, 11:37
• Storm Austen set to batter Basingstoke as weather warning issued by Met OfficeThe Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Basingstoke, with gusts forecast to reach gale force at times between 10am and 9pm on Friday, October 23Basingstoke Gazette · 22 Oct, 11:29
• Met Office gives Southampton weather warning update ahead of Storm AustenA yellow weather warning for storms in Hampshire has been extended by the Met Office.Southern Daily Echo · 22 Oct, 10:05
• Met Office extends Southampton weather warning as city braces for bad weatherA Met Office weather warning affecting Southampton has been extended with strong winds and heavy rain expected.Southern Daily Echo · 21 Oct, 12:35

In this story: Met Office · Southampton · Hampshire · Isle of Wight · Basingstoke · Andover · Chris Bulmer · Southwest England

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem