Storm Austen named as 70mph winds approach UK

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 16:02 · Archive

The Met Office has named Storm Austen, the first of the season, with 70mph gusts forecast for exposed coastal areas.

The Met Office has named Storm Austen after an area of low pressure forming in the Atlantic rapidly deepened, invigorated by the jet stream. The first named storm of the 2026/27 season is forecast to bring disruptive wind and rain from late Thursday and into Friday as it moves from west to east across the UK.

Peak gusts in excess of 70mph are possible on the most exposed coastal areas, whilst 50–60mph winds are likely more widely within warning areas. Rain will add to the hazard, with 20–30mm expected in many places and higher totals possible over higher ground in the west and further north. A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued, with the Met Office warning of potential travel disruption, power cuts and possible injuries from debris in places.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said the exact track and position of Storm Austen was still being determined, but that the system had been named due to the potential for disruption. He advised that weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases. Storm Austen's influence will wane late Friday as it moves into the North Sea, but further periods of wind and rain are likely through the weekend and into the start of next week, with the heaviest rain more likely in western areas.

How it is being reported

• Storm Austen to hit Dorset later this weekThe first named storm of the season is on the way, bringing heavy rain and strong winds from Friday into the weekend. The post Storm Austen to hit Dorset later this week appeared first on Dorset View .Dorset View · 20 Oct, 15:22
• Storm Austen named as 70mph winds and travel disruption forecastStorm Austen has been named by the Met Office with disruptive wind and rain for some from late Thursday and into Friday.Dorset Echo · 20 Oct, 15:13

In this story: Met Office · Dorset · Tom Crabtree · Atlantic · North Sea

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