The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Storm Austen, forecasting potentially damaging winds across parts of the UK on Friday 23 October, with commuters warned to expect travel disruption.
The warning highlights the risk of gusts reaching 60–70mph widely for a time on Friday morning, with gusts of around 80mph possible in exposed coastal locations. Strong winds will combine with spells of heavy rain before gradually easing later in the day.
Oxfordshire is covered by a yellow wind warning, with gusts of around 45–55mph possible inland. While conditions are expected to be less severe than further south and west, disruption remains possible.
Commuters warned of delays and cancellations
Rail passengers travelling on Friday and Saturday are being advised to check services before setting out, as speed restrictions and amended timetables may be introduced. Great Western Railway has warned that severe weather could affect its services, with delays and cancellations possible.
Road users may also face longer journeys, with some roads and bridges potentially closing in the strongest winds. Flying debris, fallen trees and damage to buildings are among the risks, while power cuts could affect homes and mobile phone coverage.
Railway teams are preparing for the conditions by carrying out additional inspections, improving drainage, managing vegetation and checking infrastructure. Residents living near railway lines are being asked to secure garden furniture, trampolines and other loose items that could blow onto the tracks.
Anyone who spots fallen trees, damaged fences providing access to the railway or debris on or near the tracks should contact the railway’s 24-hour emergency helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
The Met Office advises people to stay indoors as much as possible during high winds and to avoid walking or sheltering close to buildings and trees. Drivers should reduce their speed, take particular care when overtaking high-sided vehicles and allow extra room for cyclists and motorcyclists.
Residents are also encouraged to prepare for possible power cuts by keeping torches, batteries and mobile phone power packs readily available.
Storm Boelo brings another wind warning on Saturday
A second named storm, Boelo, is expected to bring another spell of strong winds to the UK over the weekend. However, the latest yellow wind warning described here covers northern England and other northern areas, rather than Oxfordshire.
Strong westerly winds are forecast to spread across northern parts of the UK on Saturday evening and persist overnight into Sunday. Gusts of 55–65mph are expected widely, with 70–80mph or more possible in exposed coastal locations. Heavy rain is also forecast, particularly across western Scotland.
The conditions could cause further disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services, alongside localised power cuts and damage from flying debris.
Passengers are advised to check their journeys before travelling and to monitor the Met Office’s latest weather warnings for updates.
