Storm Austen prompts wind warnings for southern Britain
An amber warning covered parts of south-west England as forecasters warned that strong winds could disrupt travel and power supplies.
Update
Storm Austen left more than 16,000 homes without power in south-west England, while high winds disrupted travel. A section of Brighton’s historic West Pier also collapsed into the sea. (AP News)
Storm Austen was forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern Britain on Friday, with an amber warning in force for parts of Cornwall and Devon. The Met Office warned of disruption to roads, railways and power supplies.
The Met Office said gusts of up to 80mph were possible in exposed parts of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Devon. A wider yellow warning covered large areas of England and Wales, where gusts of 45 to 55mph were forecast.
The storm was expected to bring fallen trees, branches and debris, with coastal areas facing large waves and dangerous conditions. Residents should check forecasts and travel conditions and avoid exposed coastal areas during the worst weather.
Ceredigion council said flood gates at Aberaeron had been closed ahead of Storm Austen and the following Storm Boelo. The council warned that strong winds and heavy rain could cause disruption in Wales.
The storm also affected electricity supplies in parts of south-west England. The National Energy System Operator separately said Britain’s electricity supplies were expected to remain secure throughout the winter, despite volatility in international energy markets.
Storm Boelo is forecast to affect Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend. The Met Office said the two systems were separate named storms and that warnings could change as their tracks developed.
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The warnings, forecast wind speeds and affected regions are supported by official weather and council sources. Forecast language has been retained where conditions were not yet confirmed.
Editor's note
Warnings and expected impacts are supported by the Met Office and a council notice. Weather warnings are forecasts and can change; the article does not present predicted damage as confirmed damage.Sources
- Amber warning issued as Storm Austen approaches — Met Office
- Storm Austen: warning issued for strong winds — Ceredigion County Council
- UK weather: Amber weather warning in place as named storm hits UK — Sky News
More on this in other media
- Channel 4 News — „storm austen”
- BBC News — „storm austen”
- The Guardian — „storm austen”