Storm Austen Unleashes 80mph Winds Across UK, Causing Widespread Disruption
Thousands lose power, schools close, and transport services are canceled as the first named storm of the season brings damaging gusts and heavy rain.
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, has made landfall in the UK, bringing with it damaging winds of up to 80 mph and heavy downpours. The storm's arrival has led to widespread disruption, including power outages affecting 7,000 homes, school closures, and the cancellation of flights and train services.
The Met Office issued an amber warning for wind, primarily affecting Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly, from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. This warning highlighted the potential for 'damaging winds,' with gusts of 60 to 70 mph expected across much of the region. The strong winds are accompanied by spells of heavy rain, though the intensity of the gusts is expected to gradually decrease throughout the day.
The storm poses risks of flying debris, potential damage to buildings such as roofs, and dangerous conditions in coastal areas with large waves and debris being thrown onto roads and properties. Mobile phone coverage and power supplies are also at risk of disruption.
"This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through," said Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong. "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."
Further disruption is anticipated over the weekend as Storm Boelo is set to affect Northern Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern England with what the Met Office describes as 'impactful winds.' Yellow weather warnings for wind are in place for mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney, and the far north of England from 6 p.m. Saturday to 9 p.m. Sunday. Widespread gusts of 55-65 mph are expected, with exposed coastal locations potentially reaching 70-80 mph.
Network Rail Scotland has announced that train speeds will be reduced for safety in areas expected to experience heavy rain. Several train services across England are also affected, with some routes experiencing cancellations or altered stopping patterns. Passengers are advised to check travel information ahead of their journeys.
In addition to wind warnings, a yellow warning for heavy rain has been issued for southern and eastern Scotland from 7 a.m. to midnight on Friday, with accumulations of 20-40mm expected, and up to 60-80mm in some areas. This could lead to localized flooding and travel disruption. One flood warning is in place for the South Devon coast, with eight flood alerts issued across England.
Emergency services and resilience organizations are urging the public to take precautions. The British Red Cross advises checking on vulnerable neighbors, securing outdoor items, and having an evacuation plan. The RNLI cautions against taking unnecessary risks near the coast due to potentially dangerous wave conditions.
The current stormy weather follows a period of severe drought in parts of England, with some areas experiencing their driest April to September on record. Forecasters note that El Nino conditions in the Pacific may increase the UK's risk of a wet and stormy autumn overall.
The Met Office's storm naming convention for the season includes Austen, Boelo, and Chloe, among others. The naming is a collaborative effort with Ireland's Met Éireann and the Dutch service KNMI, with names selected to honor individuals or from public suggestions.