The Met Office has confirmed that Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, will hit the UK late on Thursday (October 22) into Friday (October 23), bringing damaging winds and heavy rain to parts of the country.
Several severe weather alerts have been issued, including an amber "risk to life" warning for wind in south west England on Friday, where gusts could reach as high as 80mph. Two yellow alerts for wind and rain have also been issued for Friday, affecting parts of Scotland, London and south east England, south west England, West Midlands and Wales.
Storm Path and Impact
Storm Austen is forecast to move across the south of the UK late Thursday and during Friday morning, with the greatest risk of disruptive weather in southern and southwestern areas. Alongside severe gales, some locations will see spells of heavy rain.
After the storm passes, a brief respite is expected early on Saturday before another spell of wet and windy weather potentially affects a similar area. This second system is not currently expected to be named, but it reinforces the unsettled Atlantic pattern affecting northwest Europe.
Meteorological Explanation
"Storm Austen demonstrates how closely the development of Atlantic storms can be tied to the jet stream," the Met Office said. "In this case, the combination of a sharpening trough, a jet streak and the storm’s movement into the left jet exit region will help transform an Atlantic low into a rapidly deepening and potentially disruptive system."
The precise track will remain important in determining which locations experience the strongest winds, so people are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecast and any warnings issued for their area.
Safety Warnings from RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has warned those planning to visit the coast to take extra care during Storm Austen, as large waves, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions are possible.
RNLI Water Safety Manager Ross Macleod said: "Storm Austen is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea."
He added: "If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: Lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety. If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring."
