Austen and Boelo forecast to bring 60–70 mph gusts to UK
Storms Austen and Boelo are forecast to bring 60–70 mph gusts to the UK, with possible power cuts, transport disruption and heavy rain in Scotland.
At a glance
- Storms Austen and Boelo are forecast to affect the UK in two days.
- Gusts will widely reach 60–70 mph, with perhaps 80 mph in exposed locations.
- Yellow wind warnings cover most of England and Wales, while Scotland has a yellow rain warning.
Two storms, Austen and Boelo, are forecast to affect the UK in a two-day period. Gusts will widely reach 60–70 mph, and perhaps 80 mph in exposed locations, while heavy rain in Scotland may cause localised flooding.
Wind warnings
Yellow wind warnings cover most of England and Wales. Friday gusts are forecast to reach 45–60 mph, with 70 mph gusts likely in some places. The broader forecast says winds will widely reach 60–70 mph, with perhaps 80 mph in exposed locations.
The most damaging winds are expected to run south of the low-pressure centre. That puts north-west France firmly in the firing line, and parts of Brittany could see gusts close to 90 mph. Although the warnings cover most of England and Wales, the area facing the strongest winds includes north-west France and Brittany.
Risks and disruption
Winds of this strength will blow some trees over, bringing a significant risk of transport disruption, and some power cuts may also occur. Some buildings could potentially be damaged by the strongest winds. The forecast also identifies a risk of flying debris at the height of the storm.
Channel Islands
The Channel Islands are also expecting severe gales, with gusts up to 80 mph forecast. Some ferry services have already been cancelled.
Rain warning for Scotland
Heavy rain in Scotland may cause some localised flooding. The Met Office yellow warning forecasts 20–40 mm of rain through Friday, with up to 80 mm accumulating in a few areas. The warning picture therefore combines a broad wind threat across most of England and Wales with a heavy-rain and localised-flooding risk in Scotland.
Source: BBC Science.
Questions and answers
- What are Storms Austen and Boelo forecast to bring to the UK?
- The forecast covers two storms in two days. Friday gusts will widely reach 60–70 mph, with perhaps 80 mph in exposed locations.
- Where are the strongest winds forecast?
- The most damaging winds are expected south of the low-pressure centre. Parts of Brittany could see gusts close to 90 mph, and the Channel Islands are forecast to see gusts up to 80 mph.
- What warnings and risks are reported for the UK?
- Yellow wind warnings cover most of England and Wales, with Friday gusts of 45–60 mph and 70 mph likely in some places. Scotland has a yellow rain warning, while strong winds may cause transport disruption and power cuts.
