Storm Austen has forced 66 schools in England to close or delay their opening times today, as the Met Office issued an amber "danger to life" warning for the South West. The warning runs from 1am until 10am on Friday and covers all of Cornwall plus parts of Devon near the border, including Plymouth.
The season's first named storm could bring wind gusts of up to 80mph in parts of south-west England, with 60-70mph winds expected widely across the area. A yellow wind warning is also in place for other regions as westerly winds sweep across southern England and Wales from Thursday evening.
Schools Affected Across Cornwall and Devon
Cornwall Council's website states: "Some schools have confirmed late openings or closures for Friday, October 23 due to Storm Austen. Parents and carers should check messages from their child's school or its website for the latest information before travelling." Parents in other regions are advised to consult their local council websites for updates.
The majority of affected schools are in Cornwall. The full list includes Beacon Academy, Nine Maidens AP Academy and St Levan Primary School, which are fully closed, while many others are opening late, including Archbishop Benson School at 10:30am, Camborne Science and International Academy at 11am, and Redruth School at 10:15am.
Winds and Travel Disruption Warnings
The Met Office has warned that the storm will "probably" cause some damage to buildings, with flying debris and large waves posing a danger to life. Coastal areas face the greatest threat, where powerful waves could prove fatal. Road, rail, air and ferry services may face delays and cancellations, and power cuts and mobile phone signal disruption are possible.
Downpours are also expected to cause flooding across parts of the UK, adding to the disruption caused by the strong winds.
Safety Advice from the British Red Cross
Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, urged the public to take precautions. He said: "We have practical advice that can make a real difference - from checking in with people who may be more vulnerable, securing loose items in your garden to checking windows and doors, and making an evacuation plan for your household, including pets."
He added: "We also urge people to keep an eye on local weather reports and guidance from local authorities." The number of schools affected may change as conditions could worsen throughout the day.
