Storm Austen named as first storm of the 2026/27 season

The Met Office named Storm Austen as the first named storm of the 2026/27 storm season, with strong winds and heavy rain forecast across southern areas of the UK from late Thursday 22 October into Friday 23 October¹. The Met Office issued an Amber wind warning for the whole of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of West Devon, and a wider Yellow wind warning remained in place from Thursday evening into Friday².

Within the amber warning area, gusts of 60 to 70mph were forecast for a time, with around 80mph possible on exposed headlands, and the Devon amber warning ran from 1am to 10am on Friday, covering the morning commute³. A wider Yellow wind warning including Devon remained in place from midnight to 5pm on Friday³. A Yellow rain warning was also issued across parts of southern and eastern Scotland for Friday². The Met Office said winds would gradually ease through Friday afternoon and evening².

Devon County Council said the Taw Bridge in Barnstaple and Torridge Bridge in Bideford might need to close if wind conditions made them unsafe, and that there was concern about potential coastal flooding along the south Devon coast³. The council said heavy rain could cause standing water and localised flooding on roads, and that some hazards might take longer than usual to reach or clear, with removal of fallen trees and branches possibly waiting until conditions improved³. Its highways team was particularly concerned about fallen trees and branches, as many trees were still carrying much of their leaf cover and recent dry conditions might have affected how securely some were anchored⁴.

The Met Office published survey findings alongside the storm announcement: only 13% of people considered themselves "fully prepared" for severe winter weather, 32% said they had made "some" preparations, 29% had "thought about preparing" but not yet taken any action, and 19% had not thought about preparing at all¹. Asked what winter preparations they were most likely to make, people cited ensuring essential supplies were available at home (41%), putting away garden items ahead of stormy weather (36%), checking forecasts more regularly (29%) and preparing their vehicle for winter conditions (28%)¹.

The RNLI advised people planning to visit the coast to stay a safe distance from the water, saying conditions could knock people off their feet or wash them into the sea, and set out its "Float to Live" guidance for anyone in trouble in the water². The Met Office advised people in affected areas to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings as the event developed².

Why it matters for households

Households in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of West Devon were covered by an amber wind warning overnight and during Friday morning, with the potential for damaging winds and disruption during the commute². Across Devon, strong winds and heavy rain could affect journeys beyond the amber area, and bridge closures were possible³. The Met Office said the greatest risk of disruptive weather was for southern and southwestern areas². The Met Office's Holly Clements, Head of Warnings and Guidance, said small actions taken before severe weather arrives can help protect people, reduce disruption and make communities more resilient¹. The Met Office advised checking forecasts and warnings regularly, ensuring homes and vehicles are ready for severe weather, and looking out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours¹. Devon County Council advised people to check forecasts, road conditions and public transport updates before travelling, never to walk, cycle or drive through floodwater, to keep away from exposed seafronts and coastal paths, and to follow road closure signs and find a safe alternative route³. It gave 0345 155 1004 as the number for a highway emergency requiring immediate attention³.

What happens next

The Met Office said another area of low pressure was likely to bring strong winds to northern parts of the UK during Saturday and Sunday, with the potential for further warnings². The Met Office said there was still uncertainty over the storm's track and where the strongest winds would occur, and warnings might be updated as the forecast developed⁴.

For household planning, see the guide to storms, snow and ice and the explanation of how the Met Office chooses storm names.