Amber wind warning issued as Storm Austen approaches southern UK

A UK Government update dated 21 October 2026 says the Met Office placed the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall and some areas of West Devon under an amber wind alert ahead of Storm Austen. The storm is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain across southern Britain late Thursday and into Friday.³

Strongest winds expected near exposed coasts

A broader yellow wind warning covers much of south-west England and southern Wales. Gusts of 50-60mph are likely across the warning area, while the most exposed stretches of coast could experience gusts above 70mph. The Guardian reported that affected areas could extend eastwards along the south coast to Brighton.¹³⁴

The storm’s Atlantic low-pressure system is expected to intensify quickly under the influence of the jet stream. The government update said confidence in its route and strength had increased. It forecast Austen crossing southern Britain from west to east, with winds easing during Friday afternoon and evening.¹³

Rain will accompany the strong winds. Many places are forecast to receive 20-30mm, with the government saying those totals are expected on Friday and could be higher over elevated ground. The BBC reported that south-west England was expected to experience the greatest effects of the storm.¹²³

Travel and coastal risks

The government said the yellow wind warning identifies risks of travel disruption, electricity outages and injuries caused by flying debris. The BBC also reported likely damage to buildings. These are forecast risks rather than reports of damage already caused by Austen.²³

Coastal hazards include large waves and strong winds, according to the government update, which warned that conditions could cause people to lose their footing or be swept into the sea. Ross Macleod, the RNLI’s water safety manager, said: “we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks”.³

Dr Ambrogio Volonte advised in the University of Reading’s assessment: “People should check forecasts before travelling and secure anything loose outdoors.” The university said Austen was the opening named storm in the UK’s 2026/2027 season and expected its principal impacts on Thursday night and Friday.⁴

Further unsettled weather forecast

The BBC said Scotland and Northern Ireland would largely avoid Austen’s effects. Separately, the government announced a yellow rain warning for parts of southern and eastern Scotland on Friday and said another low-pressure system could bring strong winds to northern UK areas on Saturday and Sunday.²³

That weekend system could require further warnings, according to the government. The BBC forecast gusts of 70-80mph in western Scotland on Saturday, with possible ferry delays or cancellations and bridge restrictions. Further spells of wind and rain are expected through the weekend and into the beginning of next week.¹²³