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What do the warning colours mean?
Red warning
- Dangerous weather is expected and, if you have not done so already, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather.
- It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
Amber warning
- There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans.
- This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.
Yellow warning
- Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations.
- It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the warning.
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UK weather warnings
Amber warning
Wind
Warning Valid From: 03:00 Fri 23 UTC+1
Warning Valid To: 10:00 Fri 23 UTC+1
Storm Austen likely to bring some disruption and possible damaging winds on Friday morning.
What should I expect?
- Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
- Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life
- Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
- Some roads and bridges likely to close
- There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties
What should I do?
Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions; drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high-sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual.
Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
Further detail
A spell of very strong northwesterly winds is likely on Friday morning. There is a good chance that gusts of 60-70 mph will develop widely for a time with perhaps some gusts around 80 mph for exposed headlands. Very strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. Remaining windy for the rest of Friday but winds will gradually ease.
Why is the warning amber?
This warning has a high (50-75%) likelihood and a significant impact.
Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
South West England
Yellow warning
Wind
Warning Valid From: 00:00 Fri 23 UTC+1
Warning Valid To: 14:00 Fri 23 UTC+1
Storm Austen bringing a spell of strong winds with transport disruption likely and possible damaging winds in some areas.
What should I expect?
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
What should I do?
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Further detail
Strong west to northwesterly winds will spread across southern parts of England and Wales during Thursday night and into Friday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are likely and some coastal or exposed areas could see 70 mph or more, this more likely over parts of southwest England. Ahead of this, a spell of southerly winds with gusts of 50-60 mph will move east along the south coast of England during Thursday night. Winds will slowly ease during Friday afternoon.
Strong winds will be also combined with periods of heavy rain making for difficult travel conditions.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium (25-50%) likelihood and a significant impact.
Last updated
Reason: Warning area extended along the Kent coast and likelihood of significant impacts increased to medium. Reference to Storm Austen also added.
Regions and local authorities affected:
London & South East England
South West England
Wales
West Midlands
Yellow warning
Rain
Warning Valid From: 06:00 Fri 23 UTC+1
Warning Valid To: 03:00 Sat 24 UTC+1
Storm Austen bringing persistent heavy rain, with the chance of some travel disruption and flooding in a few places
What should I expect?
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads
- There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
What should I do?
Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Further detail
An area of heavy rain will develop across southern and central areas of Scotland before dawn Friday in association with Storm Austen, extending over northeast Scotland during the morning and early afternoon. Accumulations of 20-40 mm are expected widely within the warning area through this period, with 60-80 mm possible in some locations, bringing flooding and travel disruption in a few places. The rain will turn lighter and clear from the west through the evening and overnight.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a low (10-25%) likelihood and a significant impact.
Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Central, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
Strathclyde
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Warnings are in force for:
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