The Met Office has issued weather warnings as Storm Austen approaches the UK, with strong winds expected to cause disruption and possible power cuts in some areas this week. Residents in 65 areas covered by the warnings are being urged to keep mobile phones charged and prepare for emergencies.
Warnings in Place for Friday
A yellow weather warning for wind covering 39 areas is in place from midnight until 2pm on Friday, with widespread winds of 50-60mph expected. An amber warning and "danger to life" alert has also been issued for Cornwall and parts of Devon from 3am until 10am on Friday, where gusts could reach 70mph and possibly 80mph on exposed headlands.
A yellow weather warning for rain is in place for large parts of Scotland from 6am on Friday until 3am on Saturday.
Met Office Advice
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "Storm Austen is expected to bring a spell of impactful weather to parts of the UK from Thursday night and through Friday. While there remains some uncertainty in the exact track of the storm, there is increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds across parts of southwest England, which is why an Amber warning has been issued."
He added: "Winds gusts could potentially reach 60-70 mph for a time, and these strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. People in affected areas should keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings as the event develops."
In advice issued alongside the weather warnings, the Met Office says: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
Preparation for Power Cuts
Residents are urged to ensure mobile phones are charged so they can make calls in case of an emergency. Fridges and freezers should be kept closed, with a blanket over them, as they will stay cold for many hours. It is also advised to switch off appliances such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers, as they could pose a hazard if the power comes back on when no one is at home.
For the amber warning covering Cornwall and parts of Devon, the Met Office states: "A spell of very strong northwesterly winds is likely on Friday morning. There is a good chance that gusts of 60-70mph will develop widely for a time with perhaps some gusts around 80mph for exposed headlands. Very strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. Remaining windy for the rest of Friday but winds will gradually ease."
Areas Covered
The 65 areas under weather warnings include regions across London and South East England, South West England, Wales, the West Midlands, Central Scotland, Grampian, Strathclyde, and SW Scotland, Lothian Borders. Specific areas include Brighton and Hove, Cornwall, Devon, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and many others.
The warnings remain in effect through Friday, with conditions expected to ease gradually later in the day.
