An amber weather warning has been issued as Storm Austen approaches the UK, with strong winds and heavy rain expected to affect the country.
The storm is associated with a deep area of low pressure which is forecast to move close to the south of the UK early on Friday. South-west England is expected to bear the brunt of the weather system.
The warning highlights the potential for disruptive conditions as the low-pressure system moves nearer to the UK. The latest forecast indicates that the strongest effects will be concentrated in south-west England, while the storm threatens wider parts of the country with heavy rain and powerful winds.
Storm Austen is expected to reach its closest point to the south of the UK early on Friday, with the weather warning in place ahead of the system’s arrival.