Storm Austen: Met Office amber warning for south-west England, gusts of 60–70 mph possible

The Met Office announced an Amber wind warning on 21 October 2026 ahead of the arrival of Storm Austen. It covers all of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of West Devon.

What forecasters expect

According to the Met Office, the storm will bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern areas of the UK. It is forecast to move across southern Britain late on Thursday 22 October and on the morning of Friday 23 October. The greatest risk of disruption is in southern and south-western areas.

Winds will ease gradually through Friday afternoon and evening.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer acknowledged some uncertainty over the storm's exact track. He added that confidence is increasing that winds could be disruptive across parts of south-west England. He said gusts could reach 60–70 mph for a time.

Other warnings

A wider Yellow wind warning is in place from Thursday evening into Friday. The Met Office has updated it as confidence in the storm's track and strength has grown. A Yellow rain warning has also been issued for parts of southern and eastern Scotland on Friday.

Unsettled weekend ahead

The weather is expected to stay unsettled through the weekend and into next week. Another area of low pressure could bring strong winds to northern parts of the UK on Saturday and Sunday. The Met Office says further warnings are possible.

Advice from lifesavers

The RNLI is urging caution on the coast, as large waves, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions are possible. The RNLI's Ross Macleod advises people to stay a safe distance from the water. He also reminds people that anyone in trouble in the water should lie back and float, and that bystanders should not enter the water. They should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

What this means for people in the UK

People living in or travelling to Cornwall, Devon and southern England should follow the latest Met Office forecasts and warnings. This applies especially to plans for late Thursday night and Friday morning. The Met Office also advises people to read its WeatherReady guidance. The sources give no information about transport disruption.