Met Office Updates Storm Austen Warning for Every Part of Wales 2026

Key Points

• Storm Austen warnings have now been extended to all parts of Wales by the Met Office.
• There are two yellow wind warnings valid for Friday, October 23, 2026.
• The first warning is between midnight and 5pm and affects southern and western Wales.
• The second warning is between 10am and 9pm and affects most of mid Wales and northern Wales.
• Winds gusting between 50mph and 60mph are expected to affect most areas, while winds gusting at 70mph or above are likely to occur on exposed coastal parts.
• A potential threat to life due to flying debris and big waves has been warned by the Met Office.
• Power disruptions, transport disruptions, road closures, and cancellations of rail, air, and ferry services are possible.

Wales (Wales Times) October 22, 2026 – The Met Office has expanded its weather warnings for Storm Austen so that every part of Wales is now covered by an alert, as forecasters warn that strong winds could bring disruption, damage and potentially life-threatening conditions. As reported by WalesOnline, two yellow wind warnings are now active for Friday, October 23, with the strongest gusts expected in coastal and exposed locations.

The first yellow warning covers southern and western parts of Wales from midnight until 5pm on Friday. The second warning covers much of the rest of the country, including mid and north Wales, from 10am until 9pm.

According to the Met Office, winds from the west to north-west will sweep across southern England and Wales overnight into Friday. Gusts of 50mph to 60mph are expected, while some coastal or exposed places could see winds of 70mph or above.

Which areas of Wales are under the first warning?

The warning running from midnight until 5pm on Friday includes:

• Blaenau Gwent
• Bridgend
• Caerphilly
• Cardiff
• Carmarthenshire
• Ceredigion
• Gwynedd
• Isle of Anglesey
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Monmouthshire
• Neath Port Talbot
• Newport
• Pembrokeshire
• Powys
• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Swansea
• Torfaen
• Vale of Glamorgan

The Met Office says this warning carries a risk of injuries and dangerous situations caused by flying debris. It also warns that large waves and beach material could be thrown onto coastal roads and properties.

Which areas are covered by the second warning?

A separate yellow wind warning has been issued for parts of mid and north Wales from 10am until 9pm on Friday. It covers:

• Ceredigion
• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Flintshire
• Gwynedd
• Isle of Anglesey
• Monmouthshire
• Powys
• Wrexham

Although wind speeds in this second warning area are not forecast to reach the levels expected in southern and western regions, the Met Office says inland gales of 45mph to 55mph are possible during Friday daytime.

The forecaster also says locally heavy rain could combine with the strong winds. With many trees still in full leaf, there is a risk of power cuts and travel disruption.

How dangerous could Storm Austen be?

As reported by WalesOnline, the Met Office has issued a danger-to-life warning for southern and western parts of Wales. The forecaster said: “There is a risk of injuries and life-threatening situations due to flying debris. Large waves and beach materials may be propelled onto coastal roads and properties, posing further dangers.”

The Met Office says structural damage is possible during the storm. Road, rail, air and ferry services may face delays or cancellations, and road closures could also be put in place.

The warning says strong winds will coincide with heavy rain, creating difficult travel conditions. Winds are expected to ease gradually during Friday afternoon.

What should people in Wales do before the storm?

The Met Office has advised people to take simple steps to protect their homes and reduce the risk of injury. It says residents should check for loose items outside and make plans to secure them, including garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.

People planning to travel are advised to check road conditions, as well as bus and train timetables, and to change their plans if necessary. The Met Office also recommends preparing for possible power cuts by keeping torches, batteries, a portable phone charger and other essential supplies available.

For people close to the coast, the Met Office warns that large waves can be dangerous even for those standing on the shore. It says powerful waves can sweep people into the sea and advises caution near cliffs, awareness of surroundings and keeping dogs on leads.

The Met Office says anyone in an emergency near the coast should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Will weather warnings change further?

The Met Office says people should be ready for rapid changes to weather warnings. It advises residents to keep checking the latest forecast for their local area while Storm Austen moves across the country.

The current alerts are due to remain in place through much of Friday, with the first warning ending at 5pm and the second at 9pm.

Background of the development

The expanded warnings follow an initial Met Office alert that covered only parts of south and west Wales for Friday. Forecasters later widened the coverage after assessing the expected spread of strong winds across the country.

Storm Austen is expected to bring a combination of strong winds and heavy rain to Wales and southern England. The Met Office issues yellow warnings when weather is likely to cause some disruption, including travel delays, damage and potential risks to public safety.

Prediction: How could this affect people in Wales?

The expanded warning is likely to affect commuters, families, coastal communities and people travelling across Wales on Friday. Those using roads, trains, ferries or flights should expect a higher chance of delays, cancellations and route changes, particularly during the morning and afternoon.

Households in exposed and coastal areas may need to secure gardens, check outdoor structures and prepare for possible power interruptions. Residents near the sea should avoid unnecessary trips to the shoreline, while dog walkers and cliff visitors should take extra care.

If the forecast winds reach the levels warned by the Met Office, local services, schools’ travel arrangements and businesses could also face disruption. People are advised to monitor official Met Office updates before setting out and to allow extra time for journeys on Friday.