by BILL HEANEY
An amber wind warning has been issued for parts of the country, where heavy rain and severe gusts of up to 80mph are predicted.
Storm Austen, marking the season’s first named storm, is anticipated to cause travel chaos and potential damage towards the tail end of the week.
In effect from 3 am until 10 am on Friday, the amber alert applies to Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly. Gusts between 60mph and 70mph are predicted across these areas, peaking at 80mph in exposed spots.
A yellow warning for rain has been issued in parts of Scotland between 6 am on Friday and 3 am on Saturday. The weather service warned of likely power cuts and building damage, alongside a “danger to life” warning along sea fronts and coastal roads due to large waves and thrown beach debris.
Floods which have taken their toll in Dumbarton in the past are forecast to happen again.
“While there remains some uncertainty in the exact track of the storm, there is increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds across parts of southwest England, which is why an Amber warning has been issued.
“People in affected areas should keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings as the event develops.”
The Met Office said the weather is expected to remain unsettled through the weekend and into next week while low pressure is likely to bring strong winds to northern parts of the UK on Saturday and Sunday.
Ross Macleod, RNLI water safety manager, has asked people not to take “unnecessary risks” when visiting waterside locations.
He said: “If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you to stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.”
The Met Office storm year runs from September to August, with each 12-month period having its own alphabetical list of names that are used to label successive storms.
This year’s list begins with Austen and continues with Boelo, Chloe, Dano and Evelyn, ending at W with Wende.