Storm Austen Approaches UK with Severe Gales and Heavy Rain
Met Office issues yellow wind warning for Friday across southern regions, following a summer of heatwaves and drought.
Callum Smith
Storm Austen, the first named storm of autumn, is set to bring severe gales and heavy rain to parts of the UK.
The storm's peak intensity is expected Friday morning, diminishing later in the day. Officials warn of potential travel delays, damage to buildings, and widespread power cuts.
Tom Crabtree, a Met Office representative, confirmed the severity. He stated, "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."
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.
Scotland and Northern Ireland largely avoid Storm Austen's direct impact. However, another area of low pressure will bring wet and windy weather to Scotland on Saturday.
This subsequent system could produce gusts of 70-80mph. It is unlikely to receive a name.
The Met Office began naming storms in the 2015/16 season to raise public awareness of severe weather. Met Éireann selected the names Austen and Evelyn, honouring Austen Nagle and Evelyn Murphy.
This severe weather follows a summer of extreme conditions. September registered as the fourth-warmest on record, after an extended period of heatwaves.
Several regions experienced drought over the summer months. Water storage levels plummeted in some areas.