The UK is set to experience a period of disruptive weather this week as Storm Austen moves east across the country late on Thursday and through Friday. An area of low pressure forming over the Atlantic is forecast to intensify rapidly as it approaches the south-west of England, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning for parts of southern England, south Wales and the west Midlands.
What to expect
Forecasters say the storm will produce the strongest winds along exposed coastlines where peak gusts could reach around 70mph. More widely across the warning area, gusts of 50–60mph are expected. Rainfall will accompany the wind, with many places likely to receive 20–30mm during the most active phase and higher totals on elevated ground.
| Area | Likely peak gusts | Expected rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Exposed coasts (south, Wales) | Up to 70mph | 20–30mm (locally higher) |
| Southern England & Wales (wider) | 50–60mph | 20–30mm |
| West Midlands | 50–60mph | 20–30mm |
Impacts and practical steps
The Met Office warns of possible travel disruption, power interruptions and an increased risk of injury from flying debris in the worst-affected areas. Transport operators may amend timetables or suspend services where conditions threaten safety. Drivers should expect difficult conditions, especially on exposed routes and bridges, and planners should consider contingency arrangements for journeys due on Friday.
- Check the latest travel advice before setting off and allow extra time for journeys.
- Secure loose items in gardens and on balconies to reduce the danger from flying debris.
- Consider preparing for a temporary power cut: have torches, a battery charger and any essential medication available.
- Follow updates from the Met Office and local authorities as warnings may be revised as confidence in the storm track increases.
“While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what’s clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way,”
The Met Office emphasises that details of the storm’s path and intensity are still being refined and the warning will be kept under review. This means the location and severity of highest winds and rainfall could be updated as the system approaches.
Timing and duration
The yellow notice is in force from midnight on Thursday and continues into at least midday on Friday. Models indicate the system will cross the UK from west to east during Friday, with winds easing in most places later in the day. Coastal communities should prepare for the earliest impacts, which are expected to begin overnight Thursday as the low deepens over the south-west.
Rain will sit with the strongest winds, and elevated areas in the west and further north may record the highest precipitation totals. While the warning level denotes a need for caution rather than the highest level of alert, it signals potential disruption to everyday life and services.
Context and outlook
Early-season named storms sometimes bring rapid changes to conditions because of fast-developing pressure gradients over the Atlantic. Naming by the Met Office indicates a system likely to have discernible effects on communities and infrastructure. Those in affected regions should monitor forecasts and heed advice from emergency services and transport providers.
As always with rapidly evolving systems, keep devices charged, check local authority channels for specific guidance (such as school or transport cancellations) and be prepared to alter plans if conditions deteriorate. The Met Office and other agencies will issue further updates as new information becomes available.
