A yellow weather warning for Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, covers 16 areas in south and west Wales on Friday, with winds of up to 70mph expected. The warning is active from midnight to 2pm on Friday, October 23, and includes a danger to life alert.
National Rail advice for passengers
National Rail has advised passengers in affected areas to check their entire journey before travel and to consult the National Rail website for any active disruptions on the network. The rail company said: "The forecasted weather of high and strong winds can blow trees and other debris into infrastructure, damaging the overhead lines that power electric trains. Speed restrictions may be imposed to allow trains to continue running safely so you should allow extra time to complete your journey."
If rail services are disrupted, passengers may be entitled to compensation from the rail service.
Areas in Wales affected by Storm Austen
The 16 areas in Wales under the warning are Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan. Multiple places in England and Scotland are also under weather warnings.
Met Office forecast for Friday
The Met Office has forecast strong winds and heavy rain for Friday. The 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."
Winds will slowly ease during Friday afternoon, but strong winds combined with periods of heavy rain will make for difficult travel conditions. Drivers have been warned that some roads and bridges may be closed, and power cuts could occur, potentially affecting services such as mobile phone coverage. The Met Office has also warned of possible damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, and of "injuries and danger to life" from flying debris, large waves, and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads, and properties.
