Storm Austen to bring 70mph winds and heavy rain this week

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, will bring 70mph gusts and heavy rain to parts of England and Wales from late Thursday.

Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, will hit parts of England and Wales from late Thursday into Friday, bringing gusts of 70mph and heavy rain. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for southern England and south Wales, warning of potential travel disruption, power cuts and injuries from flying debris.

Tuesday and Wednesday will see spells of rain and showers across many areas before the storm's approach accelerates late Thursday. An area of low pressure forming in the Atlantic will rapidly deepen as it is invigorated by the jet stream. Storm Austen is expected to move west to east through Friday, with winds diminishing later in the day.

Rain will be an additional hazard, with 20-30mm expected in many places and higher totals over higher ground in the west and further north on Friday. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: 'We have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named.' Further wind and rain are expected through the weekend and into the start of next week, with the heaviest rain more likely in western areas.

How it is being reported

• Your full Met Office weather forecast as Storm Austen set to hit Sunderland this weekendThe first named storm of the season is set to hit SunderlandSunderland Echo · 22 Oct, 10:24
• Storm Austen named as yellow warning for heavy rain and 70mph gusts to hit parts of EnglandStorm Austen is expected to hit parts of the country this week, with people warned of potential travel disruption, power cuts and a possibility of injuries from debrisChronicleLive · 20 Oct, 13:04

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

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