Storm Austen: expert explains forecast and potential impact

Storm Austen, the first named storm of the 2026/2027 UK storm season, is set to bring severe gales and heavy rain to the UK.

Dr Ambrogio Volonte, storm expert, explains Austen’s formation. 

Dr Ambrogio Volonte, research scientist at the University of Reading and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, said: “Storm Austen is forming today (Wednesday, 21 October) and will quickly travel across the Atlantic towards us, with the main impacts from Thursday night and on Friday. As the storm intensifies, pressure drops at its centre and air starts ascending and rotating around it, leading to abundant rainfall and to the development of strong and potentially damaging winds. 

“The Met Office names storms that have the potential to cause substantial damage and yesterday issued a yellow wind warning for Friday (12am to midday) for a large area covering SW England and S Wales. This warning was issued three days in advance, when forecast agreement is generally still low,  because the severity of Storm Austen is forecast to be significant. Some coastal and exposed areas could see gusts up to 70mph or more, potentially leading to roof damage, travel disruption, and power outages. The warning will be updated as we get closer to Storm Austen's arrival and forecasters will be able to identify local areas most likely to experience severe impacts.

“An additional deep low-pressure system, not currently named, is forecast to impact the British Isles over the weekend, keeping things unsettled. People should check forecasts before travelling and secure anything loose outdoors.”