Storm Austin: Amber Weather Warnings Issued for UK as Strong Winds and Heavy Rain Hit

Amber weather warnings have been issued for parts of the UK after Storm Austin brought widespread strong winds and heavy rain on Friday.

The south-west of England is expected to be hit hardest, with the Met Office warning of travel disruption, power outages and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Amber wind warning for Cornwall and Devon

Winds are expected to reach 60 to 70mph in parts of Cornwall and Devon, with gusts of up to 80mph in some areas. The Met Office amber warning remains in place until 10am BST.

Two less severe yellow wind warnings are also expected to remain in place throughout Friday. Gusts of 45 to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales, while parts of Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, will be covered by a separate yellow warning from 6am BST.

Travel disruption, school closures and power cuts

The strong winds could bring down trees, damage buildings and create a significant risk from flying debris. Power outages and widespread travel disruption are also possible.

Many schools in affected areas have closed, while others are opening later than usual to avoid the strongest winds. Fallen branches and trees could block railway tracks, causing train cancellations and speed restrictions.

Many ferry crossings have also been cancelled, including services between Pembrokeshire and Ireland.

Storm Austin impacts across the UK and Channel

Yellow wind warnings are in place for most of England and Wales, with gusts expected to reach 45 to 60mph on Friday and up to 110mph in some places.

The most damaging winds are expected to develop south of the storm’s low-pressure centre. Northwestern France is firmly in the path of the storm, with gusts potentially approaching 90mph in parts of Brittany.

Severe gale-force winds are also forecast in the Channel Islands, where gusts could reach 80mph. All schools in Jersey have been told to close on Friday because of the expected conditions.

Heavy rain warning for Scotland

Heavy rain could cause localised flooding in Scotland. The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning, with 20 to 40mm of rain expected by Friday and up to 80mm possible in some areas.