Amber Wind Warning for Cornwall and Surrounding Areas
The Met Office has issued an Amber wind warning for the entirety of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and parts of West Devon in anticipation of Storm Austen’s arrival. This storm is predicted to bring a period of exceptionally strong winds and heavy rainfall across the southern regions of the United Kingdom late on Thursday and into Friday.
A broader Yellow wind warning is also in effect from Thursday evening through Friday, reflecting an increased confidence in the storm’s trajectory and intensity. Storm Austen is expected to traverse southern Britain late Thursday night and during Friday morning, posing the greatest risk of disruptive weather to southern and southwestern areas.
In addition to severe gales, certain locations will experience heavy rain. A Yellow rain warning has also been issued for parts of southern and eastern Scotland for Friday.
Severe Weather Forecast from Met Office
Chris Bulmer, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, stated: “Storm Austen is poised to deliver a spell of impactful weather to various regions of the UK from Thursday night through Friday. While there remains some uncertainty regarding the storm’s precise path, there is growing confidence in the likelihood of disruptive winds, particularly across parts of southwest England, which warrants the Amber warning.”
Wind gusts could potentially reach speeds of 60 to 70 mph at times, and these strong winds will coincide with periods of heavy rain. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain informed with the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation develops.
Winds are expected to gradually subside by Friday afternoon and evening.
Unsettled Weather Forecast for the Weekend
Looking ahead, the weather is likely to remain unsettled throughout the weekend and into the following week. Another area of low pressure is anticipated to bring strong winds to northern regions of the UK on Saturday and Sunday, with the possibility of additional weather warnings being issued.
Safety Advice for Coastal Areas
The RNLI is advising the public to exercise caution when visiting coastal areas, as large waves, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions are likely. RNLI Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod, remarked: “With Storm Austen expected to create potentially dangerous conditions, we urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks. If you intend to visit the coast or any waterside location, please maintain a safe distance from the water, as conditions may knock you off your feet or sweep you into the sea.”
He continued: “If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water with your head tilted back so your ears are submerged, extend your arms and legs, and try to relax while you regain control of your breathing. Once you are able, call for help or swim to safety.”
“If you witness someone else in distress, do not enter the water yourself, as this could lead to serious danger for you as well. Instead, follow the advice to phone, float, and throw: call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard; advise the struggling individual to float; and throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.”
Further Resources for Severe Weather Preparation
Additional guidance on how to prepare for severe weather can be found through the Met Office’s WeatherReady pages. For the latest forecasts, updates are available on the official website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms, including X and Facebook. A mobile app is also accessible for iPhone users via the App Store and for Android users through the Google Play Store.
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