A yellow weather warning has been issued for Birmingham and beyond for Friday, October 23. With Storm Austen set to hit the UK late on Thursday evening, a spell of strong winds is expected across the West Midlands between 10am and 9pm.
While winds aren’t expected to be as strong as those further south and west, gusts could reach around 45 to 55mph during Friday daytime. In combination with heavy rain, there is potential for power outages and travel disruption.
“Storm Austen is expected to bring a spell of impactful weather to parts of the UK from Thursday night and through Friday,” said Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer. “While there remains some uncertainty in the exact track of the storm, there is increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds across parts of southwest England, which is why an Amber warning has been issued.
“Winds gusts could potentially reach 60-70 mph for a time, and these strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. People in affected areas should keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings as the event develops.”
What can I expect?
While likely to only have a moderate impact on the West Midlands region, you may experience short-term loss of power and other services thanks to Storm Austen. No changes have yet been announced for bus or train services, but plan for journeys to take longer than usual and keep an eye out for updates when travelling.
In strong winds, you can stay safe by securing loose items outside your home and staying indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees, as you will be more vulnerable to injury. If travelling, plan ahead, check for delays and pack essentials; you should also drive safely and slowly.
What is the weather over the weekend?
Winds will gradually ease through Friday afternoon and evening, but the weather is expected to remain unsettled through the weekend and into next week, with the potential for further warnings. Saturday will bring rain throughout the day in Birmingham, while Sunday will brighten up.
