Storm Austen amber warning in force as schools close and ferries are cancelled
An amber wind warning is in force in south-west England on Friday, with gusts of up to 80 mph forecast in exposed areas and some services already affected.
Storm Austen’s amber wind warning is in force in parts of south-west England on Friday, 23 October, with gusts of up to 80 mph forecast in exposed places. The BBC reports that some schools have closed and ferry sailings between Wales and Ireland have been cancelled, affecting families and travellers as the storm moves across the UK.
Where the Storm Austen amber warning applies
The warning covers Cornwall and parts of Devon until 10:00 BST, according to the BBC. Forecasters expect gusts of 60 to 70 mph in the amber warning area, with 80 mph possible in exposed locations. The Mirror’s live report also names the Isles of Scilly and Plymouth in its description of the alert and gives its start time as 01:00 BST Friday.
The amber alert follows an earlier Met Office warning for the region. NewsJaws previously reported on the Met Office’s amber wind warning for Cornwall and west Devon; the warning has now come into force, and the BBC reports school closures and cancelled sailings. A wider yellow warning covers much of England and Wales, where gusts of 45 to 60 mph are forecast, according to the BBC.
Schools, ferries and rail travel
Some schools in affected areas are closed, while others are opening later to avoid the strongest winds, the BBC reports. It also reports cancelled ferry sailings, including crossings between Pembrokeshire and Ireland. The BBC has not given a total for the affected schools or sailings.
Train cancellations and speed restrictions are possible because branches and trees could block railway lines, according to the BBC. Those rail effects remain warnings about what may happen. Separately, the Mirror reports a yellow wind warning across the south-west and south coast of England and parts of Wales, running from Thursday night until 17:00 BST Friday; gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected, with stronger winds possible in exposed areas.
Rain in Scotland and Storm Boelo this weekend
Scotland faces a separate heavy-rain risk on Friday. The BBC says a yellow warning forecasts 20 to 40 mm of rain, rising to 80 mm in a few areas, with localised flooding possible. It also reports a yellow warning for part of Scotland from 06:00 BST.
Storm Boelo is forecast to follow Austen over the weekend. PA Wire, in a report carried by the Evening Standard, says the separate low-pressure system is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England. A wind warning for parts of Scotland and northern England runs from 18:00 BST Saturday to 21:00 BST Sunday; Northern Ireland’s warning runs from 18:00 BST Saturday to 15:00 BST Sunday.
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Sources and context
- UK weather: Amber warning in place as Storm Austen hits parts of UKBBC Weather
- Second named storm of season to hit the UK this weekendEvening Standard, reporting PA Wire
- UK weather live: Storm Austen warnings for 108 areas before Boelo’s 80mph windsDaily Mirror
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.