Brief
Amber warning issued as Storm Austen lashes UK with 70‑mph gusts
The Met Office has placed an amber warning on South West England as Storm Austen delivers powerful winds and heavy rain on Friday.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Met Office has activated an amber weather warning for parts of the UK as Storm Austen brings strong winds and heavy rain on Friday, BBC reports.
South West England faces the worst conditions, with wind gusts of 60‑70 mph forecast and up to 80 mph in exposed coastal spots. The warning remains in force until 10:00 BST. Across most of England and Wales, yellow warnings cover gusts of 45‑60 mph, while a separate yellow warning applies to parts of Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, from 06:00 BST.
Schools in the affected areas are closed or opening late, and transport may be disrupted: train services could face cancellations or speed restrictions, and several ferry sailings, such as those between Pembrokeshire and Ireland, have been cancelled.
The storm also threatens north‑west France, with Brittany expected to see gusts near 90 mph and the Channel Islands up to 80 mph. In Jersey, all schools are closed for the day.
Key facts
- Amber warning issued for South West England as Storm Austen approaches (bbc.co.uk)
- Wind gusts forecast at 60‑70 mph, up to 80 mph in exposed locations (bbc.co.uk)
- Schools closed or opening late in impacted areas; some ferry services cancelled (bbc.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] bbc.co.uk — originally reported as “UK weather: Amber warning in place as Storm Austen hits parts of UK”
