The UK could face "a winter of greater flooding," Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned, as two named storms bring disruption across the country this weekend. Thousands of homes are without power and flights have been cancelled due to Storm Austen.
Forecasters have confirmed a further amber weather warning for wind from Saturday into Sunday as Storm Boelo approaches.
Government Defends Preparedness
Asked if the Government is playing catch-up with civil preparedness, Mr Burnham told reporters on Friday: "No, we are having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we're living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common.
"Obviously weather events – and we're in a situation today where the UK is facing storms, and obviously we feel for the people without power in Cornwall right now – it is just having those supplies in the house to get you through those moments."
"We are having that conversation about resilience. That's why we're holding this summit today, it's why we're putting the guidance out to the public.
"We potentially are facing a winter of greater flooding, so it's about recognising all of those risks and taking action."
The Government has also launched a campaign aimed at urging people to stock supplies of food and essentials in case of multi-day emergencies.
Storm Austen Brings Chaos
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, has brought severe conditions to parts of the country, as Londoners have been warned to batten down loose items in their gardens and take care on the roads.
Gusts in excess of 40mph were expected on Friday afternoon, along with heavy rain, and similar strength winds over the weekend. The London Fire Brigade highlighted the threats from the storm as it rolled across Britain.
"A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for parts of London today," it posted on X. "Make sure you secure loose items in your gardens or balconies, and take extra care while travelling as the wind may cause debris to fall onto pavements and roads."
Fallen trees caused rush-hour disruption on a number of rail lines serving the capital including Hampton Court to Waterloo and between Clandon and Effingham in Surrey. Services to Gatwick and Heathrow Airports have been hit by cancellations and delays.
Southern Railway reported trees blocking lines between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges, Lewes and Brighton, Uckfield and Crowborough, and Fareham and Southampton Central.
Impact Across the UK
Elsewhere in the UK, a gust of 76mph was recorded at St Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly on Friday morning, while at 11am more than 16,000 homes were without power in the South West, according to National Grid.
The Met Office had issued an amber warning for wind, covering Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly, which was in effect from 1am until 10am on Friday. Forecasters have now issued an amber warning for wind from Storm Boelo, which is in place for 24 hours from 9pm on Saturday covering Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland, and Cumbria and Northumberland in the north of England.
Amy Webb, chief operating officer at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: "We know how difficult it is to be without power, particularly during severe weather.
"Our engineers are out across the affected areas, working to repair the damage and get customers back on supply as quickly and safely as possible. We're grateful for their patience while that work continues.
"If you see a fallen power line, damaged pole or other damage to our equipment, please stay well clear and call 105 straight away."
Cornwall County Council's website listed more than 20 schools which had closed for the day, while more than 50 opened late. The council said its highways teams were dealing with 100 incidents across the county, with most involving fallen trees and branches.
"Teams are also dealing with flooding, debris on roads and utility-related issues, and further reports continue to come in," a council spokesman said. "There are currently around nine road closures or locations requiring closures. The most significant incidents involve large fallen trees that need specialist equipment or support from utility companies before they can be cleared safely."
Further Warnings Issued
Forecasters said strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain, though gusts in the area will gradually ease over Friday. Storm Austen is due to clear eastwards into the North Sea through Friday, with Storm Boelo as a separate low pressure system, set to arrive shortly afterwards.
Another yellow weather warning for large parts of England, the North West and North Wales is in place from 10am on Friday until 9pm. Rain will be heaviest in southern and eastern Scotland, where a yellow weather warning has been issued from 7am to midnight on Friday. Accumulations of 20-40mm are expected within the warning area throughout this time, with 60-80mm possible in some locations, the Met Office said.
