The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning as Storm Austen approaches the UK, bringing the threat of severe weather and strong winds to parts of the country.
The amber warning—the second-highest severity tier issued by the Met Office—covers Cornwall and parts of west Devon. The alert takes effect from 03:00 until 10:00 BST on Friday. Forecasters anticipate wind gusts reaching up to 80mph (130km/h) along exposed coastal areas, while inland regions could experience gusts between 60mph and 70mph.
Authorities warn that the high winds carry a risk of flying debris that could cause injuries and a potential danger to life. Additional hazards include structural damage to buildings and expected power cuts.
In addition to the amber alert, a broader yellow Met Office weather warning has been put in place covering extensive areas of southern England and south Wales, where localized travel disruption is possible.
This is a developing weather story and further updates will be provided as conditions change.
