The Met Office is urging households to 'stay indoors as much as possible' this Friday after issuing a rare amber alert for extreme weather, including damaging winds. The more serious alert covers the South West of England, specifically Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly. The warning is in effect from 3am until 10am on Friday, October 23.
Yellow warning covers wider areas
At the same time, a yellow weather warning for strong winds covers more of the UK, including 38 areas of England and Wales. Major areas such as Brighton, Bristol, Southampton, Dorset, Kent, Cardiff, Swansea and Bath will be under this warning from midnight until 2pm.
The Met Office said in its amber warning: "Storm Austen is likely to bring some disruption and possible damaging winds on Friday morning." It added that driving in these conditions can be dangerous and advised motorists to drive slowly, be aware of high-sided vehicles on exposed roads, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual.
Safety advice for residents
The forecaster warned that being outside in high winds makes people more vulnerable to injury. It advised staying indoors as much as possible and, if going out, avoiding walking or sheltering close to buildings and trees. Residents are also urged to secure loose items outside their homes, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.
For those on the coast, the Met Office advised being aware of large waves, which can sweep people off their feet even from the shore. It recommended taking care near cliffs, knowing your route, and keeping dogs on a lead. In an emergency, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Forecast details
The Met Office forecast a spell of very strong northwesterly winds on Friday morning, with gusts of 60-70 mph developing widely and possibly reaching around 80 mph on exposed headlands. The strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. Winds are expected to remain strong for the rest of Friday but will gradually ease.
