Yellow wind warning: Exact times and what to expect from Storm Austen in West Midlands and Shropshire
Strong winds will threaten power loss and transport delays for much of Friday
The Met Office has extended its yellow wind warning to the West Midlands, Shropshire and Wales, with strong winds expected to bring localised impacts and potential power outages as Storm Austen strikes.
The warning will be in effect between 10am and 9pm on Friday (October 23).
The Met Office said: “A spell of strong winds, touching gales at times, associated with Storm Austen may bring some localised impacts.”
The forecaster said “some short-term loss of power and other services is possible”, while high-sided vehicles may be delayed on exposed routes and bridges.
“Some bus and train services” may also be affected, with some journeys taking longer.
The weather warning covers the West Midlands conurbation, all of Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, as well as parts of east England and the entirety of Wales.
The Met Office said: “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”