A danger to life warning has been issued as part of the weather warning
Cancellations and delays are possible (Image: PA)
Winter weather has made a return as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for parts of Wales this week as winds of 70mph are expected. The first named storm of the season, Storm Austen will bring strong winds on Friday with transport disruption likely and possible damaging winds in some areas.
From midnight to 2pm on Friday October 23, 16 areas in south and west Wales have been issued with the yellow weather warning. A danger to life warning has been issued as part of the warning.
For those still having to travel despite the strong gusts, National Rail has offered advice to passengers as the Met Office has warned that “road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
National Rail advice
Rail passengers in the affected areas are advised to check their entire journey before travel and check the National Rail website for any active disruptions on the network.
The rail company has said: “The forecasted weather of high and strong winds can blow trees and other debris into infrastructure, damaging the overhead lines that power electric trains. Speed restrictions may be imposed to allow trains to continue running safely so you should allow extra time to complete your journey.”
If rail services are disrupted passengers may be entitled to compensation from the rail service.
Areas in Wales affected by Storm Austen
There are 16 areas across Wales that have been issued with a weather warning, along with multiple places in England and Scotland.
The areas in Wales include:
- Blaenau Gwent
- Bridgend
- Caerphilly
- Cardiff
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Newport
- Pembrokeshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- Torfaen
- Vale of Glamorgan
Met Office forecast
The Met Office has forecast strong winds and heavy rain on Friday. The forecast has said: “Strong west to northwesterly winds will spread across southern parts of England and Wales during Thursday night and into Friday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are likely and some coastal or exposed areas could see 70 mph or more, this more likely over parts of southwest England.
“Winds will slowly ease during Friday afternoon. Strong winds will be also combined with periods of heavy rain making for difficult travel conditions.”
Drivers have also been warned that some roads and bridges may also be closed due to the weather conditions. Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could also be seen across Wales with the Met Office declaring that “injuries and danger to life” from flying debris, large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
