Storm Austen brings UK wind warnings and disruption risks

The Met Office issued yellow wind warnings for parts of the UK on Friday, October 23, as Storm Austen brought strong winds and heavy rain, with possible travel disruption and power outages among the forecast impacts. The warning for Merseyside was in force from 10am to 9pm. The Met Office forecast inland gusts of 45 to 55mph during the day, with locally heavy rain and trees still in full leaf adding to the potential for power cuts and travel delays. The agency said coastal routes and communities could also face spray and large waves. In North Wales, two yellow alerts covered different areas and periods. The warning for Anglesey and Gwynedd ran from midnight until 5pm, while a second alert, also covering Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham, was due to run from 10am to 9pm. The Met Office warned that strong winds, locally exceeding 60mph, could cause disruption amid heavy downpours. A separate yellow wind warning for Banbury and other parts of the South, Midlands and northern England was scheduled from 10am to 9pm. The Met Office said gusts in its warning area could reach 45 to 55mph inland. A report from the South West said some households had already experienced power...