STORM AUSTEN PROMPTS WEATHER WARNING FOR SOUTHERN BRITAIN

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as Storm Austen approaches southern Britain. It expects the first named storm of the season to reach the country late on Thursday. The warning runs from midnight on Thursday until at least midday on Friday. It covers parts of London, south east and south west England, south Wales and the west Midlands. Forecasters say strong winds could disrupt travel, damage buildings and cause power cuts.

Storm Austen is linked to an area of low pressure that formed in the Atlantic and is expected to deepen rapidly over south west England and Wales. Tom Crabtree, a Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said the storm’s exact track remains uncertain. He said gusts could exceed 70mph on the most exposed coasts. Across more of the warning area, forecasters expect winds of 50mph to 60mph. Crabtree called it “an impactful period of weather” and said disruption was possible in places.

The Met Office forecasts 20mm to 30mm of rain in many places, with higher totals possible over higher ground in the west and further north on Friday. It expects the storm to move from west to east through Friday, with winds generally easing later in the day. Forecasters also warned of a small risk of injury or danger to life from flying debris. People in affected areas have been urged to check road conditions before travelling and consider preparing for a power cut. Crabtree said weather warnings remain under review and could change as forecasters gain confidence in the storm’s path.