The Met Office has confirmed that two named storms are set to bring disruptive wind and rain to large parts of the UK over the coming days. Storm Austen is sweeping over the country on Friday (October 23) followed very closely by Storm Boelo on Saturday (October 24).
Weather Alerts in Force
At the time of writing there are six Met Office extreme weather alerts in force across the UK, including one amber wind alert affecting parts of Scotland, north east England, north west England, and Northern Ireland for 24 hours from 9pm on Saturday. As well as the amber wind alert, there are also four yellow alerts for wind in force across large parts of the UK over the coming days, including a 33-hour warning affecting Greater Manchester along with the whole of northern UK from 9pm on Saturday.
Power Cut Preparation Advice
Within the yellow wind warning affecting Greater Manchester, the Met Office has warned people to prepare for a possible power cut by gathering some essentials. These essentials include torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack, along with other essential items.
"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance," writes the Met Office. "It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
Expected Wind Gusts and Impacts
It is expected that Storm Boelo will see wind gusts reaching as high as 80mph at its peak over the weekend. This level of extreme wind can lead to flying debris, dangerous driving conditions, and injuries from large waves are possible.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen. Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely."
"The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather. Severe weather warnings and forecast detail will continue to develop, so people should keep up to date with the forecast over the next few days."
Storm Austen Warnings Updated
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "We've updated Amber and Yellow severe weather warnings for Storm Austen. This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through. With trees in leaf, it is likely fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways so take extra care on the Friday morning commute."
The UK weather agency has warned that strong winds will lead to large waves and dangerous conditions around the coast of Wales and southwest England over the coming days. People should stay away from cliff edges and well back from stormy seas that can sweep you off your feet.
