An amber wind warning for Storm Austen has put parts of south-west England on notice for potentially damaging gusts on Friday 23 October.
The Met Office warning, updated on Thursday 22 October, runs from 01:00 to 10:00 BST on Friday. Its start has been brought forward by two hours. It lists Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly among the affected local authority areas.
Forecasters expect gusts of 60–70mph widely for a time, with around 80mph possible on exposed headlands. Heavy rain is also forecast.
The Met Office warns of likely flying debris, possible building damage and disruption to transport and power supplies. Winds are expected to ease gradually later on Friday.
Preparations on Scilly
In a notice published on 21 October, the Council of the Isles of Scilly advised people to take precautions they can safely carry out to secure unstable structures before the warning period.
The council said storm boards would be installed on St Mary’s by 17:00 on Thursday to reduce wind-blown sand and debris entering roads and drains.
For scaffolding contractors in the affected areas, the warning is a timely consideration for site planning and securing materials ahead of Friday morning.
Wider wind warning
The wider yellow wind warning for southern England and Wales has been expanded to cover western Wales and extended to 17:00 BST on Friday. In its update on Thursday 22 October, the Met Office also announced a further yellow wind warning for a large area of England and Wales, running from 10:00 to 21:00 BST on Friday, with gusts of 45–55mph forecast.
Warnings can change. Contractors should check the current Met Office warning map and local forecasts for their sites.
