Storm Austen to batter Britain with 80mph winds as residents forced to batten down hatches

The storm is set to make land on Thursday with heavy rainfall and strong winds setting in before becoming more intense into Friday morning.

The Met Office has also warned of a possible “danger to life” with damage caused by the storm.

Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and Plymouth are to face the worst of Storm Austen.

Meteorologists have said there is a good chance that gusts of “60-70 mph” will develop widely for a time, with even some gusts of around 80 mph for exposed headlands.

Business owners in Cornwall are fearing the impact of the stormy conditions, declaring they are doing “everything they can” to best prepare for the storm.

Bar owner Jamie-Lee Job told the BBC: “It is a reminder to us all to best err on the side of caution.

“We are doing everything we can do to make sure everything is secure and hopefully the roof stays on.”

Staff at the bar have been fixing parts of the building down to make them more secure ahead of the winds, which could reach up to 80mph.

Cornwall Council has issued a warning to residents, urging people to avoid exposed coastal areas on Thursday evening as well as Friday.

The council said: “Storm Austen is on the way, with an amber weather warning in place across Cornwall on Friday due to dangerous winds.

“Significant disruption is likely. Debris could affect roads, and power cuts are possible. If you need to travel, take extra care and consider whether your journey is necessary. It’s worth preparing now in case of power cuts.

“Make sure you have torches, spare batteries, a charged mobile phone power bank and other essentials to hand.Stay away from exposed coastal areas overnight and on Friday.

“Strong winds and large waves could make conditions extremely dangerous. Do not take risks, but if you see someone in trouble along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The Met Office urged those within the amber warning zone to “stay indoors as much as possible”, but if you do need to go out, try not to “walk or shelter close to buildings and trees”.

Those in coastal areas are reminded that even from the shore, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

They stress residents should “take care if walking near cliffs, know your route and keep dogs on a lead”.

Injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

In its most severe case, the Met Office predict flying debris is “likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life”.