The Met Office has issued a 33-hour yellow weather warning for Liverpool and Merseyside as the region prepares for two storms in two days. The warning covers Saturday and Sunday, coming just 24 hours after Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds to the area.
The national weather service said Merseyside, along with the rest of northern England and Scotland, will be affected by strong winds. An earlier warning for Friday, October 23, from 10am to 9pm, was issued due to Storm Austen.
Forecast Details and Expected Gusts
Forecasters said: "Strong winds will spread across northern parts of the UK during Saturday afternoon, combining with spells of heavy rain."
"Initially strong southerly winds will affect parts of Scotland before more widespread and even stronger westerly winds develop later on Saturday."
"Very windy conditions will then persist overnight and through much of Sunday before gradually easing from the southwest later."
Gusts of 55-65 mph are likely widely, with some coastal and exposed areas potentially seeing gusts of 70-80 mph or more. The strongest gusts are most likely across Scotland and the far north of England.
Impact and Preparedness
The impact is described as "significant", with disruption likely across the north of the UK. The likelihood of impact currently stands at 23-50%.
The warning follows comments from Andy Burnham, who said the UK could face a "winter of greater flooding" as the country deals with two named storms over two days. He was asked if the government was playing catch-up with civil preparedness while attending a summit organised to learn from the summer's record wildfires.
Mr Burnham told reporters: "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 those moments."
"So 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."
Local Closures and Cancellations
Ahead of the strong winds arriving on Friday, several venues in Merseyside and beyond have confirmed closures or cancellations due to Storm Austen. These include Chester Zoo, Spooky Welly Walk in Sefton Park, Speke Hall, Garston Market and Welsh Mountain Zoo.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: "We know how much families look forward to Spooky Welly Walk, and we're so sorry to disappoint everyone who planned to join us."
"Our team and volunteers have spent months preparing, but the safety of everyone attending must come first."
"We're incredibly grateful to everyone who bought tickets, asked friends and family to sponsor them, or offered their time to help. That kindness is what makes this event so special."
"Last year, Spooky Welly Walk raised £83,000 to help fund our work. Losing this year's event is a significant blow, but the need for our support continues. People are still receiving a lung cancer diagnosis and turning to us for information, reassurance, and someone to talk to."
"Although our work reaches people across the UK, Liverpool is our home, and there's something special about the Scouse way of coming together and looking after others."
"Local families are part of that kindness, and we're so grateful to have you all behind us."
"If you can make a donation, please help. Whatever you can give will help us continue to be there for people affected by lung cancer. We look forward to welcoming families back next year."
