Storm Austen set to batter South West with 70mph winds
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:29 · Archive
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, is forecast to bring gusts exceeding 70mph and heavy rain to the South West from Thursday evening.
The Met Office has named Storm Austen as the first named storm of the season after identifying a rapidly deepening Atlantic low-pressure system. The storm is forecast to bring heavy rain and damaging winds to the South West from late Thursday into Friday, with a yellow wind warning issued across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and parts of southern England and Wales.
The warning runs from midnight to midday on Friday. Peak gusts in excess of 70mph are possible on the most exposed coastal areas, whilst 50–60mph winds are likely more widely within the warning area. Rainfall totals of 20–30mm are forecast for many places, with higher amounts on higher ground in western and more northerly areas.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: 'While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what's clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places.' Current predictions show rain arriving in Cornwall from around 1pm on Thursday and moving eastwards across the region by around 4pm.
The Met Office warns of several hazards. There is a slight chance of roof tiles being blown from buildings and a small chance of injury from flying debris. Road, rail, air and ferry services could face disruption, with some roads and bridges potentially closing. Power cuts may affect services including mobile phone coverage.
Along the coast, large waves could throw beach material on to seafronts, roads and properties and pose a danger to people nearby. Forecasters say weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases.
How it is being reported
- Storm Austen named as strong winds and heavy rain head for the South WestThe Met Office has named Storm Austen, warning of gusts in excess of 70mph and 20-30mm of rain in the South West from late Thursday.North Devon Gazette · 20 Oct, 12:16
- Storm Austen threatens 70mph coastal gusts as Devon faces severe weather alertStorm Austen is set to bring strong winds and rain, with Devon under a yellow warning on Friday as gusts could exceed 70mph on exposed coasts.Exmouth Journal · 20 Oct, 12:13
- Storm Austen to batter South West with heavy rain and 70mph windsIt's the first named storm of the seasonDevonLive · 20 Oct, 11:23
In this story: Met Office · South West · Devon · Cornwall · Tom Crabtree · Somerset · Dorset
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