UK Braces for Storms Austen and Boelo Amid Extreme Weather Shift
Drought-stricken regions face heavy downpours and damaging winds as two named storms sweep across the nation.
Carla Rooney
Two named storms, Austen and Boelo, are set to bring strong winds and heavy downpours across the UK.
This abrupt shift follows England's driest April to September in over a century. The summer brought blistering heat.
An amber weather warning is in force for parts of the UK today due to Storm Austen. A yellow warning for wind also covers Northern Ireland from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Storm Austen could bring gusts up to 80mph to parts of south-west England. Winds of 60-70mph are expected widely. Flying debris is likely; the storm will damage buildings, blowing tiles from roofs.
Coastal areas face significant danger. Large waves could pose a threat to life. Beach debris may be thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and properties. Mobile phone coverage and the power supply could also suffer.
One flood warning is in place for the South Devon coast, alongside eight flood alerts across England. Heavy rain in Scotland may cause localised flooding. A Met Office yellow warning forecasts 20-40mm of rain, with up to 80mm accumulating in a few areas through today.
Transport infrastructure already experiences disruption. Network Rail Scotland announced trains will slow due to the expected weather. A lightning strike at Normans Bay reportedly prevented Southern Rail trains from stopping at the station. Fewer trains will call at Ryde Pier Head due to a weather warning.
The Channel Islands expect severe gales with gusts up to 80mph. North-west France could see gusts close to 90mph.
This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through.
Neil Armstrong stated, "This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through."
Maja Darlington highlighted the stark contrast in weather patterns. She stated, "We’ve barely cooled off from a summer of blistering heat, and now the first winter storms are battering at the front door." She added, "The Government must take a stand against this doomloop of extreme weather and corporate impunity."
We’ve barely cooled off from a summer of blistering heat, and now the first winter storms are battering at the front door. The Government must take a stand against this doomloop of extreme weather and corporate impunity.
Supercharged El Nino conditions are predicted to increase the UK's risk of a wet and stormy autumn.