Britons brace as Storm Austen batters UK with 80mph winds

Forecasters have also issued a yellow warning for wind across a large area of south west England and Wales, running from 10pm on Thursday through to 5pm on Friday – with gusts predicted to reach up to 45-55mph.

The Government of Jersey has been forced to shut schools, colleges, sports centres and libraries to brace for winds.

The forecaster said Storm Austen is “likely to bring some disruption and possible damaging winds” and warned of disruption on the roads and public transport networks.

Flying debris is likely, and the storm could cause damage to some buildings, with tiles blown from roofs, it added.

In coastal areas, large waves could pose a danger to life, and beach debris could be thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

Mobile phone coverage and the power supply could also be affected, the Met Office added.

Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through.

“With trees in leaf, it is likely fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways so take extra care on the Friday morning commute.”

Storm Austen has already impacted travel networks.

Great Western Railway has introduced lower speed limits on routes in Devon and Cornwall amid the risk of trees and falling debris on track, with fewer trains being operated than normal.

Long-distance journeys headed towards the south west will run between Reading and Plymouth only, with connections onto local services, it added.

A number of ferry sailings have also been cancelled, including crossings between Pembrokeshire and Ireland.

North-west France and parts of Brittany are also firmly in the fire line, and could face gusts near 90mph.

Britons have also been warned to prepare for flooding in some areas.

Locations within the warning area could have 20-40mm of rain accumulated, with 60-80mm possible in some locations.

One flood warning, meaning flooding is expected, remained in place for the South Devon coast at Beesands, Torcross, Slapton and Dawlish

Eight other flood alerts – meaning flooding is possible – were in place across England.

Following the first named storm of the year, Storm Boelo will blow through Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England with what the forecaster described as “impactful winds” over the weekend.

The series of storms will batter the UK as by Labour urges Britons to prepare for “everyday risks” by stockpiling tinned food.