Met Office issues Storm Austen wind warning for Greater Manchester

A yellow wind warning covers Greater Manchester from 10am to 9pm on Friday 23 October. The Met Office forecasts possible inland gales, with gusts of around 45–55mph as Storm Austen crosses the country.

Bus and rail journeys could take longer, while high-sided vehicles are likely to face delays on exposed roads and bridges. The Met Office advises people to check road conditions before travelling.

Austen is the season’s first named storm. Winds within this warning area are forecast to be weaker than those further south and west. But heavy rain in places, combined with trees still carrying their leaves, could cause disruption to travel and electricity supplies.

Areas covered and precautions

Elsewhere in the North West, the warning includes Blackburn with Darwen, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside and Warrington. It also extends across parts of Wales, the Midlands, Yorkshire, eastern England and the South East.

The Met Office recommends gathering essential items in case power supplies fail. Brief interruptions to other services are also possible. Residents should keep checking their local forecast because warnings can change quickly.

For anyone travelling to the coast, spray and large waves could affect seafronts, coastal roads and communities. The Met Office advises caution near cliffs and keeping dogs on leads. Waves can knock people into the sea even from the shore. In an emergency, call 999 and request the Coastguard.