Storm Austen brings wind warnings to Sussex – but Storm Boelo will miss county
Sussex is bracing for strong winds and more heavy rain as Storm Austen arrives tonight, with two yellow weather warnings covering the county into Friday.
The Met Office has also named a second storm, Boelo, but that storm’s strongest winds and associated warning will affect northern parts of the UK, rather than Sussex.
Locally, the immediate concern is Storm Austen, which could bring travel disruption, power cuts and damage to buildings.
The first yellow wind warning begins at 10pm on Thursday, October 22, and lasts until 5pm on Friday. It covers Chichester, Arundel, Steyning, Worthing, Brighton, Seaford, Polegate, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Hastings and Battle.
A second warning covers the rest of Sussex and Surrey from 10am until 9pm on Friday, October 23.
Gusts of 50 to 60mph are likely across the first warning area. Some coastal and exposed locations could see 70mph or more, although the Met Office says those higher speeds are more likely in south-west England.
Southerly winds will move east along the south coast on Thursday night, followed by strong west to north-westerly winds. Winds are expected to ease slowly during Friday afternoon.
Heavy rain will add to difficult travelling conditions, with delays and cancellations possible on road, rail, air and ferry services. Some roads and bridges could close.
The Met Office warns that flying debris could cause injuries, while buildings could suffer damage such as tiles being blown from roofs. Large waves may throw water and beach material onto seafronts, coastal roads and properties.
Further inland, gusts of around 45 to 55mph are possible during Friday. Combined with locally heavy rain and trees still in full leaf, these could cause power outages and travel disruption.
Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have all highlighted the warnings, urging residents to prepare.
People are advised to secure loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture and trampolines, check transport updates before travelling and have torches and charged phone power banks ready in case of power cuts.
Anyone visiting the coast should take care around large waves and cliffs. In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Meanwhile, Storm Boelo will bring a separate spell of severe weather to Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England from Saturday evening into Sunday. Gusts there could reach 70 to 80mph or more in exposed locations.