Storm Austen to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Blackpool and the Fylde coast - weather forecast
Everything you need to know as the UK braces for Storm Austen.
Blackpool and the Fylde coast are forecast to face a wet and windy weekend as Storm Austen, the first named storm of the autumn, develops in the Atlantic and moves towards the UK.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for strong winds for parts of the country as the area of low pressure is expected to deepen on its approach. The warning, which is the second-highest level issued by the Met Office, covers Cornwall and parts of west Devon from 3am until 10am BST on Friday.
Although the amber warning applies to the south-west of England, the forecast for Blackpool points to heavy rain and strong winds throughout Friday, with squally gusts also possible.
Week’s weather forecast
Today: This afternoon is expected to be cloudy and unsettled, with showery outbreaks of rain for much of the day. The rain is forecast to become lighter and patchier during the evening.
Tonight: Clear spells and variable cloud are expected overnight, with isolated showers developing. Some of the showers could be heavy at times.
Thursday: Tomorrow morning will bring sunny spells and isolated showers to Blackpool and the Fylde coast. Conditions are expected to turn drier later in the afternoon, with plenty of bright spells.
Friday: The unsettled weather is expected to continue into Friday as Storm Austen brings heavy rain and strong winds throughout the day. Squally wind gusts are also possible, although winds are forecast to ease overnight. The storm is currently developing in the Atlantic, with the area of low pressure expected to deepen as it approaches the UK.
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Wet and windy weekend ahead
Conditions are forecast to remain unsettled after Storm Austen moves through, with further rain and strong winds expected across the weekend. Saturday is expected to begin dry and fine before turning wet and windy as heavy rain moves in from the west.
On Sunday, Blackpool and the Fylde coast will remain windy, with sunny spells, variable cloud and isolated blustery showers. Looking beyond Storm Austen, unsettled weather is expected to continue through the weekend and into next week.
Another area of low pressure is likely to bring strong winds to northern parts of the UK on Saturday and Sunday, with the potential for further weather warnings. Residents and visitors to Blackpool and the Fylde coast should keep an eye on the latest forecast as the weekend approaches.
What the Met Office has said
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “Storm Austen is expected to bring a spell of impactful weather to parts of the UK from Thursday night and through Friday. 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.”
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RNLI: stay safe near the coast
RNLI Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod said: "Storm Austen is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.
"If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: Lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety.
"If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring."