Storm Austen and Storm Boelo bring weekend disruption across the UK and Ireland
Storm Austen is sweeping towards the UK, bringing heavy rain, severe gusts of up to 80mph, and amber danger-to-life weather warnings to parts of southwest England, The Independent reported. The Met Office shared satellite footage on Thursday, October 22, tracking the low-pressure system as it moves across Britain to trigger travel chaos before clearing into the North Sea by Friday morning.
The severe weather arrives in two distinct waves over the weekend. Following Storm Austen, a separate system named Storm Boelo will impact Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England with impactful winds.
Amber warnings and travel restrictions across southwest England
The Met Office issued an amber wind warning for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, and the Isles of Scilly, in effect from 1am until 10am on Friday. Forecasters predict gusts between 60mph and 70mph, peaking at 80mph in exposed spots. Neil Armstrong, chief forecaster at the Met Office, noted that because trees remain in leaf, fallen branches are likely to block roads and railways during the Friday morning commute.
Wet & windy conditions will spread northwards over the country this evening as Storm Austen tracks south of Ireland🍃Remaining mainly dry in Ulster with some clear spells, elsewhere heavy rain over Munster & S Leinster will extend into Connacht & Leinster through the evening.☔️ pic.twitter.com/5bsLIDj7RP
Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail warned passengers to expect service alterations and speed restrictions over the weekend. Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, stated that operators will do everything possible to keep people moving safely. ScotRail service delivery director Mark Ilderton advised customers to check their services before traveling due to the heightened risk of flooding and disruption on the railway.
Status Orange flooding alerts issued in the Republic of Ireland
Across the Irish Sea, Met Éireann enforced Status Orange rain warnings for counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow. Forecasters predict between 40mm and 60mm of rain in those areas, leading to surface flooding driven by blocked drains and fallen leaves. Padraig Barrett, director of roads, transportation, and area services for Cork County Council, urged residents not to travel unless absolutely necessary, calling conditions unsafe for driving.
For all the issued warnings for #StormAusten visit https://t.co/6Ifr8uXQK7 🔗 https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS 💧There is a risk of river and surface flooding across for Thursday into Saturday in south, southeast, and east.#BeEmergencyReady #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/L2wAt9o1y3
In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office expects breezy conditions and heavy rain early Friday, though impacts are predicted to remain lower than in southern regions, with no weather warnings expected to be issued for Ulster.
Yellow weather warnings for heavy rain in Glasgow and Scotland
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain covering Glasgow, alongside central, eastern, and southern Scotland, running from 6am on Friday, October 23, until 3am on Saturday, October 24. Rainfall accumulations are projected to reach between 20mm and 40mm widely, with totals of 60mm to 80mm possible in some locations.
Storm Austen brings a wet and very windy start to Friday across the UK ⚠️Disruption to travel is likely, with potentially damaging winds in places, particularly across the southwest.Keep up to date with the latest info 👉 https://t.co/TfU9Ok8qZD pic.twitter.com/29S37Ltgss
Authorities across the affected council areas encourage residents to prepare emergency kits, secure loose outdoor objects such as garden furniture and bins, and monitor local flood risks near waterways.
Weekend impact from Storm Boelo
Immediately following Storm Austen, Storm Boelo will target northern regions. The Met Office issued yellow wind warnings for the whole of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney, and northern England from 6pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. Widespread gusts of 55mph to 65mph are expected, reaching 70mph to 80mph in exposed coastal locations. A separate yellow warning covers Northern Ireland from 6pm Saturday to 3pm Sunday for winds reaching up to 75mph in exposed regions.
Chris Bulmer, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, noted that the secondary system will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the opposite end of the country, making for an impactful weekend of weather.
Frequently asked questions about the weekend storms
When is the amber wind warning active for southwest England?
The amber warning applies to Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, and the Isles of Scilly from 1am to 10am on Friday, featuring gusts peaking at 80mph in exposed spots.
Storm Austen will bring heavy rain and disruptive winds across parts of the UK through Friday ⚠️Here is the 4cast 👇 pic.twitter.com/do8AcNj0tU
What rainfall totals are expected under the Scottish yellow warning?
The Met Office forecasts widespread totals of 20mm to 40mm, with localized accumulations of up to 60mm to 80mm in some locations.
Are weather warnings in place for Northern Ireland during Storm Austen?
The UK Met Office issued no warnings for Northern Ireland during Storm Austen, noting that rain and winds will be breezy but less severe than in southern regions of the UK.
When does Storm Boelo take effect across Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Yellow wind warnings for Storm Boelo begin at 6pm on Saturday and run through Sunday evening, bringing gusts of up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations.
More on Northern Ireland
With Storms Austen and Boelo on their way, how do we prepare for and keep services moving on Scotland's Railway during stormy weather? pic.twitter.com/wiXjTtXLOt
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