Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, has prompted a "danger to life" warning, leading 66 schools in England to close or delay opening on Friday as strong winds batter the country.
Amber warning for South West
The Met Office issued an amber weather warning from 1am until 10am on Friday, covering the whole of Cornwall and parts of Devon near the border, including Plymouth. Gusts of up to 80mph are possible in south-west England, with 60-70mph winds expected widely in the region.
A yellow wind warning is also in place for other areas, as west to northwesterly winds spread across southern parts of England and Wales from Thursday evening. The majority of schools facing closures are in Cornwall, where conditions are expected to be worst.
Schools affected and travel disruption
As of Friday morning, 66 schools have confirmed impacted opening times or full closures, though this number may change as conditions evolve. Cornwall council advised parents to check messages from their child's school or its website for the latest information before travelling.
Brits are warned of delays and cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services, possible power cuts and building damage. Flying debris and large waves could pose a danger to life, particularly in coastal areas where beach debris may be thrown onto roads, sea fronts and properties. Mobile phone coverage and power supply could also be affected.
Safety advice from British Red Cross
The Met Office said the storm will "probably" bring some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs. Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, encouraged the public to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their homes.
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." Smith also urged people to keep an eye on local weather reports and guidance from local authorities.
