The Met Office has named Storm Austen, with strong winds and heavy rain expected to affect parts of the UK from late Thursday (22 October) and throughout Friday (23 October).
The storm is expected to bring potentially disruptive weather, with wind gusts exceeding 70mph possible in exposed coastal areas and speeds of 50 to 60mph forecast more widely across areas covered by a yellow weather warning.
The warning covers southern parts of England and south Wales, where strong winds could cause travel disruption, power cuts and a risk of injury from flying debris.
Nottinghamshire is not included in the wind warning described in the Met Office announcement, although further periods of unsettled weather are forecast across the country.
The Met Office said an area of low pressure developing in the Atlantic is expected to deepen rapidly as it is strengthened by the jet stream.
Before Storm Austen arrives, Tuesday and Wednesday will bring spells of rain and showers to many parts of the UK.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate from late Thursday as the storm approaches from the Atlantic, before moving eastwards across the country on Friday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what’s clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named.
“Peak gusts in excess of 70mph are possible on the most exposed coastal areas, while 50-60mph are likely more widely within the warning area.
“Weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the forecast in the coming days.”
Heavy rainfall will also accompany the storm, with accumulations of 20 to 30mm expected in many places. Higher totals are possible over elevated ground in western areas and further north on Friday.
Winds are forecast to gradually ease later on Friday as Storm Austen continues eastwards and moves into the North Sea.
However, the unsettled conditions are expected to continue after the storm has passed.
The Met Office said further spells of wind and rain are likely throughout the weekend and into the beginning of next week, with the heaviest rainfall more likely in western parts of the UK.
Forecasters have emphasised that the precise track of Storm Austen remains uncertain and weather warnings could change as confidence in its movement and intensity improves.
