Storm in the UK. Photo: Shutterstock The UK is preparing for two named storms within days, with the Met Office warning of strong winds, heavy rain and possible travel disruption as Storm Austen moves across southern areas and Storm Boelo approaches the north.
Storm Austen is expected to affect southern England and Wales on Thursday night and Friday, while Storm Boelo is forecast to bring another spell of severe weather to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England from Saturday.
The Met Office has issued Yellow wind warnings for Storm Boelo, with gusts of 55 to 65 mph expected widely across mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and far northern England. Exposed coastal areas and higher ground could see gusts of 70 to 80 mph.
The warning for Scotland and northern England runs from 6 p.m. on Saturday until 9 p.m. on Sunday. In Northern Ireland, a separate Yellow warning runs from 6 p.m. on Saturday until 3 p.m. on Sunday, with gusts of 50 to 60 mph expected widely and up to 65 to 75 mph in exposed locations.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said Storm Boelo would bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern areas over the weekend, affecting the opposite end of the country from Storm Austen. He warned that the combination of wind and rain could make conditions difficult and advised people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.
Before Storm Boelo arrives, Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern parts of the UK. The Met Office has brought forward the start of an Amber wind warning to 1 a.m. on Friday and extended a wider Yellow warning to cover western Wales until 5 p.m.
A further Yellow wind warning covers a large area of England and Wales from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, with gusts of 45 to 55 mph forecast.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said the storm could cause disruption during Friday morning's commute. With trees still in leaf, fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways.
Coastal areas of Wales and southwest England are also expected to experience large waves and dangerous conditions. The Met Office advises people to stay away from cliff edges and keep well back from rough seas.
Heavy rain associated with Storm Austen is forecast to spread across the UK on Friday. Southern and eastern Scotland could see 20 to 40 mm of rain widely, with 60 to 80 mm possible in some locations. A Yellow rain warning is in place for the area from 6 a.m. until midnight on Friday, with localised flooding and travel disruption possible.
Thursday is expected to remain broadly dry and bright across the UK before conditions deteriorate. After Storm Austen moves east into the North Sea on Friday evening, a brief period of calmer weather is forecast overnight into Saturday.
However, rain is expected to spread from the west on Saturday as Storm Boelo approaches, bringing wet conditions to much of the country. Strong winds and heavy rain are then expected to persist across northern areas into Sunday, while much of England and Wales should be drier, although still blustery.
The Met Office advises people to secure loose items outside their homes ahead of the strong winds. Bins, plant pots and garden furniture should be secured or brought indoors, trampolines should be tied down or turned upside down, and shed doors should be locked.
Forecast details and severe weather warnings may change as both systems develop, so travelers are advised to check the latest weather updates before setting out.