Storm Austen has forced 66 schools in south-west England to close or delay opening, as an amber weather warning for wind brings gusts of up to 80mph and a "danger to life" risk.
Amber warning and affected areas
The Met Office issued an amber warning for the South West, active from 1am until 10am on Friday, October 23, covering all of Cornwall and parts of Devon near the border, including Plymouth. Most of the affected schools are in this region.
The first named storm of the season could produce wind gusts up to 80mph in parts of south-west England, with 60-70mph winds expected widely across the region. A yellow wind warning is also in place for other areas, as west to northwesterly winds spread across southern parts of England and Wales from Thursday evening.
School closures and late openings
Cornwall Council's website states: "Some schools have confirmed late openings or closures for Friday, October 23 due to Storm Austen. Parents and carers should check messages from their child's school or its website for the latest information before travelling."
The number of schools with altered hours or closures currently stands at 66, though this may change as conditions could worsen. Parents and carers in other areas are advised to check council websites for further information.
Broader impacts and safety advice
Britons have been warned of delays and cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services, possible power cuts and building damage, while flying debris and large waves could pose a danger to life. The Met Office said the storm will "probably" bring some damage to buildings, especially in coastal areas, where large waves could also threaten lives. Mobile phone coverage and power supply could be affected.
Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, encouraged the public to take protective steps. He said: "We have practical advice that can make a real difference – from checking in with people who may be more vulnerable, securing loose items in your garden to checking windows and doors, and making an evacuation plan for your household, including pets."
He added: "We also urge people to keep an eye on local weather reports and guidance from local authorities."
Full list of schools facing closures or time changes
Archbishop Benson School - opening late at 10:30am; Bishop Bronescombe School - opening late at 10:30am; Beacon Academy - closed; Burraton CP School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10am; Camborne Nursery School - opening late at 11am; Camborne Science and International Academy - opening late at 11am; Caradon Academy - opening late at 10:30am; Carbeile Junior School - opening as usual with option to drop children in later if necessary; Connor Downs Academy - opening late at 11am; Coverack Primary School - opening late at 10:30am; Cubert School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10am; Flushing School - opening late at 10am; Fourlanesend Community Primary School - opening as usual with option to drop children in later if necessary; Grade Ruan Primary School - late opening at 10:30am; Grampound Road C of E School - opening late at 10:30am; Grampound with Creed C of E School - opening late at 10.30am; Gwinear School - opening late at 10am; Heamoor CP School - opening late at 10:30am; Illogan School - opening late at 10am; Indian Queens Primary School and Nursery - opening late at 10:30am; Kea Preschool - opening late at 10am; Ladock School - opening late at 10:30am; Lanner School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10:30am; Madron Daniel C of E School - late opening at 10:30am; Manaccan Primary School & Nursery - opening late at 10:30am; Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School - opening late at 10:30am; Mawnan School - opening late at 10:30am; Mount Hawke Academy - opening late at 11am; Mylor Bridge CP School - opening late at 10:30am; Nansledan School - opening late at 10:30am; Nansloe Academy - opening late at 10:30am; Nine Maidens AP Academy - closed; North Cornwall Alternative Provision Academy - opening late at 10:30am; Padstow School - opening late at 10:30am; Pennoweth School - opening late at 10am; Penponds CP School - opening late at 10:30am; Penryn Primary Academy - late opening at 10:30am; Penwith Alternative Provision Academy - late opening at 10am; Perran-ar-Worthal School - opening late at 10am; Pool Academy - opening late at 11am; Redruth School - opening late at 10:15am; Restormel AP Academy - opening late at 10:30am; Richard Lander School - opening late at 11am; Shortlanesend School - opening late at 10:30am; St Day and Carharrack Primary School - opening late at 10:15am; St Erme with Trispen School - opening late at 10:30am; St Ives Infant School - opening late at 10:30am; St Keverne Primary School - opening late at 10:30am; St Levan Primary School - closed; St Mary's C of E Penzance - opening late at 10:30am; St Meriadoc Infant and Nursery Academy - opening late at 10:30am; St Meriadoc Junior School - opening late at 10:30am; St Michael's CE - opening late at 11am; Stratton Primary School - opening late at 10:30am; Summercourt Academy - opening late at 10:30am; Trannack Primary School - opening late at 10am; Tregolls Academy - opening late at 10:30am; Treleigh School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10:30am; Treverbyn Academy - opening late 10:30am; Trevithick Learning Academy - opening late at 10:30am; Troon CP School - opening late at 10:30am; Truro Nursery School - opening late at 11am; Veryan School - opening late at 10:30am; Weeth Primary School - opening late at 10am; Whitemoor Academy - opening late at 10am; Whitstone Community Primary School - opening late at 11am.
