The UK is braced for “damaging” winds and heavy downpours with two named storms expected to wreak disruption on Friday and over the weekend.
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, could bring gusts of up to 80mph to parts of south-west England, with 60-70mph winds expected widely in the region.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind, covering Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly, coming into effect from 1am and remaining in place until 10am.
Strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain, though gusts will gradually ease over Friday.
The forecaster said Storm Austen is “likely to bring some disruption and possible damaging winds” and warned of disruption on the roads and public transport networks.
Flying debris is “likely”, and the storm will “probably” bring some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, it added.
In coastal areas, large waves could pose a danger to life, as well as beach debris being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
Mobile phone coverage and the power supply could also be affected, the Met Office said.
Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “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.”
Over the weekend, Storm Boelo will affect Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England with what the forecaster described as “impactful winds”.
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PA Graphics
Yellow weather warnings have been issued for the whole of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and the far north of England from 6pm on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday.
There will be “widespread gusts” of 55-65mph widely, with these reaching up to 70-80mph in more exposed coastal locations, the Met Office added.
Network Rail Scotland said trains will be slowed down on Friday and over the weekend to keep people safe in the areas expected to see the heaviest rain.
A separate yellow warning, covering Northern Ireland from 6pm on Saturday to 3pm on Sunday, is due to predicted winds of 50-60mph, with up to 65-75mph in exposed regions.
Storm Boelo is a separate low pressure system to Storm Austen.
Storm Austen is due to clear eastwards into the North Sea through Friday.
Forecasters have also issued a yellow warning for wind across a large area of south west England and Wales, running from 10pm on Thursday through to 5pm on Friday – with gusts predicted to reach up to 45-55mph.
Another yellow weather warning for large parts of England, the North West and North Wales is in place from 10am Friday until 9pm that evening.
Heavy rain is expected on Friday, as Storm Austen tracks eastwards throughout the day.
It will be heaviest in southern and eastern Scotland, where a yellow weather warning has been issued from 6am to midnight on Friday.
Accumulations of 20-40mm are expected within the warning area throughout this time, with 60-80mm possible in some locations, the Met Office said.
This could bring flooding and travel disruption in a few places.
(Press Association graphics)
PA Graphics
Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, has encouraged the public to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their homes.
He said: “We have practical advice that can make a real difference – from checking in with people who may be more vulnerable, securing loose items in your garden to checking windows and doors, and making an evacuation plan for your household, including pets.
“We also urge people to keep an eye on local weather reports and guidance from local authorities.”
Greenpeace climate campaigner Maja Darlington has called on the Government to act to stop a “doomloop of extreme weather”, after a summer of wildfires and drought.
She said: “We’ve barely cooled off from a summer of blistering heat, and now the first winter storms are battering at the front door.
“While millions of people face the prospect of ruined homes and businesses, oil giants are preparing to announce multi-billion-pound profits next week.”
“The Government must take a stand against this doomloop of extreme weather and corporate impunity,” Ms Darlington added.