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Storm Austen to batter Wales coast with 70mph winds

Leigh BoobyerBBC Wales
PA Media A woman is attempting to control her umbrella which has folded inside out because of strong winds.PA Media
Delays and cancellations to public transport are likely, the Met Office said

Travel disruption and power cuts are expected when Storm Austen hits Wales.

The Met Office said the storm, the first named one of the autumn, will bring a spell of strong winds up to 70mph (112km/h) overnight on Thursday and into Friday, mainly in coastal areas.

Two yellow warnings for Wales are in place for Friday, with periods of heavy rain also expected. The Met Office said injuries and danger to life from flying debris were possible.

Some roads and bridges may close, damage to buildings could happen, and longer journey times and cancellations to public transport are possible.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place between 22:00 and 17:00 BST on Friday, covering the following areas:

  • Blaenau Gwent
  • Bridgend
  • Caerphilly
  • Cardiff
  • Carmarthenshire
  • Ceredigion
  • Gwynedd
  • Isle of Anglesey
  • Merthyr Tydfil
  • Monmouthshire
  • Neath Port Talbot
  • Newport
  • Pembrokeshire
  • Powys
  • Rhondda Cynon Taf
  • Swansea
  • Torfaen
  • Vale of Glamorgan

Another will be in force between 10:00 and 21:00 on Friday and covers:

  • Ceredigion
  • Conwy
  • Denbighshire
  • Flintshire
  • Gwynedd
  • Isle of Anglesey
  • Monmouthshire
  • Powys
  • Wrexham
PA Media A dog is walking in heavy wain and wind, with a lead around its neck. Two people are walking beside it.PA Media
The Met Office yellow weather warning for wind is in place for the whole of Wales on Friday

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has urged anyone visiting the coast in south Wales to "to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks".

Gusts of wind of about 50 to 60mph are likely but some coastal or exposed areas could see gusts of about 70mph, the Met Office said, adding winds would slowly ease during Friday afternoon.

RNLI A motor-powered boat is pictured crashing through waves away from the shore, with three people tucked down as the boat elevates.RNLI
The RNLI is urging people to stay safe while visiting the coast in south Wales

Ross Macleod, RNLI water safety manager, said: "If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea."

MacLeod said anyone in trouble in the water should "lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety".

He added if anyone sees someone in danger, throw them something buoyant into the water and call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

Network Rail urged passengers to check their journey plans before setting out.

Transport for Wales' customer operations chief, James Gough, said: "Amended timetables will be in place on a number of routes."

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