UK weather forecast: Potential for first named storm of the season
The UK is trending due to forecasts of a deep low-pressure system that could bring the season's first named storm. A yellow weather warning is active for Friday, with potential gusts reaching 70mph in some regions.
What happened
- 19 Oct
The Met Office issued a yellow severe weather warning [2].
- 20 Oct
Heavy rain begins spreading across east Wales and much of England [1].
- 21 Oct
Rain is expected to affect many parts of the UK [1].
- 23 Oct, 00:00 to 12:00 BST
Yellow warning in effect for south-west England, south-west Wales, and the coast toward west Sussex [1], [2].
What you need to know
Wind gusts could reach 70mph in exposed areas, with wider gusts of 50-60mph [1].
Possible impacts include power cuts, building damage, and travel delays across road, rail, air, and ferry services [1], [2].
Coastal residents are advised to avoid cliffs and be cautious of large waves that can sweep people out to sea [2].
The storm may be named Storm Austen if it causes significant impact in the UK or Ireland [1].
The exact track of the low-pressure system is uncertain; it may move north toward Scotland and Northern Ireland or south toward France [1].
Background
The current weather pattern is expected to make this the wettest and windiest week of the autumn season so far, bringing rain even to areas currently experiencing drought [1].
Storm naming is a joint effort between the UK Met Office and Ireland's Met Éireann. If the system primarily impacts France, it may be named Storm Bruna by MeteoFrance [1].
Questions people ask
Which areas are under the yellow warning?
The warning covers south-west Wales, south-west England, and the coast extending to west Sussex, including Brighton and Hove [1], [2].
What should people do to prepare?
The Met Office suggests securing loose outdoor items to protect property and people from injury [2].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.