Met Office names Storm Austen with 70mph winds forecast

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

Storm Austen, named by the Met Office, will bring winds exceeding 70mph to exposed coastal areas from late Thursday.

The Met Office has named Storm Austen, which is forecast to arrive late on Thursday and affect southern England and south Wales. The storm will bring gusts exceeding 70mph on the most exposed coastal areas, with winds of 50-60mph likely more widely within the warning area. A yellow wind warning has been issued, advising of possible travel disruption, power cuts and a risk of injury from flying debris.

The storm is expected to move from west to east throughout Friday, with wind speeds gradually decreasing later in the day. Rainfall is also expected to be significant, with 20-30mm predicted in many areas and higher totals possible over elevated terrain. Tom Crabtree, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said the exact track was still being determined but the system had been named due to the potential for disruption.

Although Storm Austen will weaken as it moves into the North Sea, further unsettled weather is expected into the weekend. The Met Office said weather warnings were under constant review and could be updated as confidence increased.

How it is being reported

• Portsmouth weather: Storm Austen is due to hit south Hampshire on FridayThe first named storm of the season will roll in later in the weekThe News, Portsmouth · 20 Oct, 12:02
• Met Office names Storm Austen as 70mph winds to hit UK this weekA newly named storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the UK, including the South of England, later this weekSouthern Daily Echo · 20 Oct, 11:31

In this story: Met Office · Storm Austen · England · Wales · North Sea · Tom Crabtree

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