21/10/2026
Follow Kernow Weather Team for the latest updates ⚠️
🟠 AMBER WEATHER WARNING FOR WIND STORM AUSTEN 🟠
FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 3AM UNTIL 10AM
Sponsored by Trees and Bees Cornwall Ltd
Well, here we go! We've been keeping a very close eye on this developing Atlantic storm for several days here at KWT HQ, and now the Met Office has officially issued an AMBER WEATHER WARNING FOR WIND for Friday morning!
And I must admit, I'm rather pleased we started issuing our own KWT weather watches earlier this week, when the weather models first began showing the potential for something rather nasty heading our way!
Although I was hoping Mother Nature might have decided to calm things down a little, it appears she's got other ideas!
THE LATEST MET OFFICE WARNING
The Met Office has issued an Amber Weather Warning for wind, covering Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Devon and Plymouth, between 3am and 10am on Friday
Storm Austen is expected to bring a spell of very strong northwesterly winds, with gusts potentially reaching 60–70 mph quite widely, and possibly around 80 mph on some exposed headlands and even 90+mph is possible
Now, winds of that strength are certainly not something to take lightly, especially when you combine them with spells of heavy rain.
WHY COULD THE WINDS BECOME SO STRONG?
Storm Austen is developing over the Atlantic Ocean and is being helped along by a powerful jet stream high above us.
As the low-pressure system deepens, the difference in atmospheric pressure across the storm increases. This causes the isobars on our weather charts to become tightly packed together.
And as many of you know from our weather lessons, the closer the isobars, the stronger the winds can become!
It's a bit like Mother Nature putting her foot down on the accelerator, except this time we'd rather she found the brake pedal!
The precise track and intensity of the storm will determine where the strongest gusts occur, so not every town and village will experience the same wind speeds.
WHAT COULD THIS MEAN FOR CORNWALL?
Friday morning could be particularly difficult, especially for those travelling to work or taking children to school.
There is the potential for fallen trees and branches, flying debris, damage to buildings and roof tiles, power cuts and disruption to road, rail and ferry services.
Along our coastline, very large waves and dangerous sea conditions could also develop, particularly around exposed north and west-facing coastal areas.
Please don't be tempted to head down to the harbour walls or exposed coastal paths to watch the waves. These conditions can become dangerous very quickly.
A LITTLE ADVICE FROM KWT HQ
If you have garden furniture, bins, trampolines or anything else that might fancy an unscheduled trip down the road, now would be a good time to make sure everything is secure!
The last thing you want on Friday morning is to discover your wheelie bin has decided to move in with the neighbours!
It would also be sensible to charge your phones, have a torch handy and check travel arrangements before heading out.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 10AM?
Although the Amber Warning expires at 10am, that doesn't mean the wind will suddenly switch off!
Friday is expected to remain windy, with gusts gradually easing as Storm Austen moves away. A wider Yellow Wind Warning also remains in force until 2pm.
So please don't assume everything will be back to normal the moment the Amber Warning ends.
A FINAL WORD FROM ME
We've been watching this system closely for several days, comparing the GFS, ECMWF and other weather guidance as the threat developed.
And this is exactly why we issue our KWT weather watches in advance. Not to frighten anyone, but to give people an early indication of potentially disruptive weather and time to prepare.
Of course, weather forecasting isn't an exact science, and storms can still change their track or intensity.
But with an Amber Warning now issued, this is something we all need to take seriously.
We'll continue monitoring the latest weather models, satellite imagery and official warnings, and I'll bring you further updates as we get closer to Friday.
Please look after yourselves, check on vulnerable neighbours if you can, and share this warning so more people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are aware.
And it looks like another few late nights at KWT HQ for me. I really should learn to keep my mouth shut when I say the weather is getting boring!
Stay safe, everyone.
Kind regards,
KWT Dave.
From moor to shore, we've got Cornwall covered.
