The Met Office has issued weather warnings for wind and rain across various parts of the UK, with two named storms set to cause significant disruption.
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, is expected to batter south-west England on Friday, with an amber warning for wind in place for Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly from 1am. Forecasters have warned of extremely powerful north-westerly winds, with gusts of 60-70mph expected across a wide area and some gusts reaching up to 80mph for exposed headlands. These will be accompanied by bouts of heavy rainfall, though winds are predicted to gradually ease throughout Friday.
Storm Boelo's Path and Warnings
Over the weekend, Storm Boelo will sweep across Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England, bringing what the Met Office described as "impactful winds". Yellow weather warnings have been put in place for the whole of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and the far north of England from 6pm on Saturday through to 9pm on Sunday.
There will be "widespread gusts" of 55-65mph across a broad area, with these climbing to 70-80mph in more exposed coastal spots, the Met Office added. A separate yellow warning, covering Northern Ireland from 6pm on Saturday to 3pm on Sunday, has been issued due to predicted winds of 50-60mph, with up to 65-75mph in exposed regions.
Forecasters' Statements and Public Advice
Storm Boelo is an entirely separate low pressure system to Storm Austen, which is expected to clear into the North Sea by Friday morning. Chris Bulmer, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen. Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely. The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather. Severe weather warnings and forecast detail will continue to develop, so people should keep up to date with the forecast over the next few days."
The amber severe weather warning has been brought forward, now set to commence at 1am on Friday, while the broader yellow warning zone has been extended to include western Wales, remaining in place until 5pm that day.
Further Warnings and Weekend Outlook
Forecasters have additionally issued yellow wind warnings for Storm Austen covering a vast swathe of England and Wales, running from 10am to 9pm on Friday, with gusts anticipated to hit between 45-55mph. Neil Armstrong, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through. With trees in leaf, it is likely fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways so take extra care on the Friday morning commute."
Residents are being urged to keep well clear of cliff edges and stormy seas. Residents are also advised to inspect loose items outside their properties, including plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines and bins, and to ensure they are secured ahead of strong winds.
Before the storms arrive, the weather was forecast to remain dry and bright throughout the UK on Thursday. Heavy rainfall is set to arrive on Friday, as Storm Austen moves eastwards during the course of the day. It will be most intense across southern and eastern Scotland, where a yellow weather warning has been put in place from 6am until midnight on Friday. Rainfall totals of 20-40mm are anticipated within the warning zone during this period, with 60-80mm possible in certain areas, according to the Met Office. This could result in flooding and transport disruption in a few locations.
A Met Office spokeswoman said: "After Storm Austen clears east there will be a brief ridge of higher pressure overnight on Friday into Saturday before Storm Boelo arrives. Rain will again spill across the UK through Saturday bringing a wet day for most across the UK. By Sunday, while Boelo will still bring strong winds and heavy rain further north, much of England and Wales will see a brighter, largely dry, although blustery day."
