Storm Austen Threatens UK With Winds Exceeding 70mph

Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to disrupt parts of the United Kingdom as Storm Austen, the first named storm of the autumn season, approaches from the Atlantic on Friday, October 23, 2026. The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for southern areas, citing the risk of building damage, transport delays and power outages. According to the Met Office, the warning will run from midnight until noon British Summer Time on Friday, covering South Wales, southwest England and southern coastal counties of England.

Wind gusts could exceed 70mph in exposed coastal locations, while gusts of 50-60mph are expected more widely across the warning area. The storm's approach will follow several days of unsettled conditions, with rain moving across the country from Wednesday and strengthening winds affecting parts of western Wales and southern England. Heavy rain is forecast to spread across England and Wales on Thursday night as the Atlantic weather system intensifies.

The Met Office has warned that severe coastal gusts could create hazards from falling debris and cause disruption to road, rail and other transport services. Power cuts are also possible, while the precise track and position of the storm remain subject to change.

Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said the developing system could bring significant weather impacts despite uncertainty over its exact path. "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 and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named." Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said.

Crabtree also outlined the expected wind speeds in exposed coastal locations and across the warning area. "Peak gusts in excess of 70mph are possible on the most exposed coastal areas, while 50-60mph are likely more widely within the warning area." Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said.

The weather service is continuing to review its warnings as forecast confidence develops. Crabtree emphasized the possibility of updates as meteorologists refine their assessment of the system. "Weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the forecast in the coming days."

Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said. Storm Austen is expected to move from west to east across the UK on Friday, with its strongest winds easing later in the morning and conditions improving in the southwest. The system is forecast to move into the North Sea later that day, allowing a temporary break in the unsettled weather.

However, a separate area of low pressure is expected to bring further rain and strong winds over the weekend. The second system is forecast to be less severe than Storm Austen and is not currently expected to receive a storm name.

Western Scotland could experience gusts of 70-80mph on Saturday, according to the BBC forecast, potentially delaying or canceling ferry services and prompting restrictions on bridges. Heavy rain is expected to spread eastward across much of the country as windy conditions continue. Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to largely avoid the main impacts of Storm Austen itself.

However, the subsequent low-pressure system is forecast to affect Scotland, with particularly windy conditions in western areas. Sunday is expected to bring drier weather across much of the UK, although strong winds may persist in northeast Scotland. Further periods of rain and wind are also forecast into the following week, with the heaviest downpours expected in western areas.