Met Office names Storm Austen and issues UK wind warning

The Met Office has named Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, and issued a yellow wind warning for southern Wales and parts of southwest and southern England for Friday, October 23. The forecast calls for gusts of 50 to 60 mph across much of the warning area, with gusts exceeding 70 mph possible on exposed coasts, and warns of potential disruption. The warning is due to run from midnight until midday Friday. It covers much of southwest England, southern Wales and parts of the southern English coast, reaching as far east as Brighton, according to the Met Office. The agency said the storm’s exact track and position were still being determined and that warnings could be updated as confidence in the forecast changes. The Met Office says Storm Austen will move from west to east during Friday, with winds generally easing later in the day. Heavy rain is also expected, with 20 to 30 millimetres possible in many places and higher totals over higher ground in the west and farther north. The agency warned that the combination of wind and rain could disrupt travel and cause power cuts; exposed areas could also face damage from flying debris. The warning does not currently...