People urged to gather batteries and torches as 'danger to life' storm could leave thousands without power
Millions of people are being urged to prepare for potential power cuts and dangerous conditions as two powerful storms threaten to batter the UK with winds of up to 80mph.
This comes as the Met Office has issued a series of severe weather warnings that Storm Austen and the newly named Storm Boelo threaten to bring widespread disruption to different parts of the nation over the coming days.
Storm Austen is expected to hit southern England and Wales today (October 23), with an amber ‘danger to life’ warning in place as powerful winds and large waves threaten coastal areas.
Meanwhile, Storm Boelo is forecast to bring further disruption to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend.
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With strong winds threatening to damage buildings, bring down trees and disrupt electricity supplies, people in affected areas are being advised to take precautions before conditions deteriorate.
The Met Office has warned that flying debris is likely during Storm Austen, while damage to buildings, including roof tiles being blown off, is also probable.
People are being urged to prepare for extreme weather by gathering essential supplies, including batteries and flashlights, so they are not left without a reliable source of light if the electricity goes out.
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong, said: “We’ve updated Amber and Yellow severe weather warnings for Storm Austen.
“This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through. With trees in leaf, it is likely fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways so take extra care on the Friday morning commute.”
Storm Boelo could bring winds of up to 80mph this weekend
While Storm Austen is expected to affect southern parts of the country, forecasters are warning that another powerful system is on its way.
Storm Boelo is forecast to intensify as it crosses the Atlantic, driven by a powerful jet stream, before reaching Northern Ireland and western Scotland on Saturday afternoon, with winds between 55 and 65mph being expected in the affected areas. Along the coastline, winds could reach up to 80mph.
As a result, a yellow wind warning has been placed across mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and northern England.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer, added: “Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen.
“Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely.
“The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather.
“Severe weather warnings and forecast detail will continue to develop, so people should keep up to date with the forecast over the next few days.”