The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and Plymouth, as Storm Austen brings hazardous conditions to parts of Wales and southern England on Friday.
An updated yellow wind warning covers much of Wales, effective from around midnight on Friday until 2pm. The affected areas include Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil and Monmouthshire, as well as Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan.
Forecast Details
A Met Office forecast states: "Strong west to northwesterly winds will spread across southern parts of England and Wales during Thursday night and into Friday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are likely and some coastal or exposed areas could see 70 mph or more, this more likely over parts of southwest England."
The forecast adds: "Ahead of this, a spell of southerly winds with gusts of 50-60 mph will move east along the south coast of England during Thursday night. Winds will slowly ease during Friday afternoon. Strong winds will be also combined with periods of heavy rain making for difficult travel conditions."
Potential Impacts
Warning people what to expect, it adds: "Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges may close. Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage."
"Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen. Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible. Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties."
The amber warning is expected to last from 3am on Friday morning to 10am on Friday.
Safety Advice
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and how likely it is to strike in a particular area. A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
Offering advice on what you should do during gale-force winds, the Met Office adds: "Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences."
"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. 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."
"If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly."
"When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."
