Amber wind warning for Friday
Storm Austen is nearly here and the Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for Cornwall from 1am to 10am tomorrow (Friday) when gusts of more than 70mph are expected.
Please do not travel unless absolutely necessary
Please do not go wave watching - if you do, you’re putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk
If you see someone in trouble on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Expect disruption to travel – buses, flights, trains, ferries etc may be cancelled
Protect your property and secure loose items in your garden such as trampolines and bins
If your rubbish or recycling is due to be collected on Friday, please put it out early in the morning rather than overnight, and only do so if it’s safe. Make sure everything is secure so that it doesn't blow away in the strong winds. Please bear with us tomorrow. Collection times may vary, but we’ll do our best to get to you. We’ll post updates on our social media channels if there are any changes.
Weather warnings can change, so please keep up to date with your local news channel or full details can be found on the warnings and advice pages of the Met Office website.
Follow our social media channels for important updates on Facebook and X,
Alternatively tune in to BBC Radio Cornwall online or on FM 95.2 MHz (East Cornwall) FM: 103.9 MHz (West Cornwall) DAB: 11B.
Being prepared for emergencies
What would you need if the power went out tomorrow?
With the first storm of the season arriving, it’s worth putting together a few essentials now, just in case severe weather causes disruption.
Jamie from our Emergency Management team shows what to include in an emergency kit, from a torch and wind-up radio to food, water and supplies for your family and pets.
Every household is different, so tailor your kit to your needs, including babies, pets and anyone who needs medication or other essentials. If you can’t cook without electricity, make sure you have food that’s ready to eat.
A little preparation now can make a big difference if you need it.
How to report a power cut
During the storm, power lines and equipment could be damaged, leaving homes without electricity.
Charge your phone, power banks and any essential medical equipment before the storm arrives. Keep a battery-powered torch and wind-up radio handy, and check in with neighbours, friends or family who may need extra support.
If your power goes off, you can report it 24 hours a day by calling 105 or 0800 6783 105. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, dial 18001 before either number to use Text Relay.
Join the Priority Services register
If you have a disability, long-term health condition, rely on medical equipment, are pregnant, have young children, or are of pensionable age, you may be eligible for free extra support from your gas, electricity and water suppliers through the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The register can provide additional help during power or water outages, accessible communications, and other practical support when you need it most.
Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. If you think you, a family member or neighbour could benefit, visit the Priority Services Register website to find out more and register with your utility providers.
You can also register directly for water-related support through the South West Water Priority Services application form.
Don't wait for an emergency. Check your eligibility and sign up today.
Check for school closures
Storm Austen could lead to school closures at short notice.
Parents and carers are advised to check messages from their child’s school or the school’s website for the latest information before travelling.
Our website will also be updated as further details are confirmed
Where to get help, or report an issue
For the police, fire service or medical emergencies, call 999.
For non-emergencies, call the police on 101.
Use NHS 111 if you need urgent but not life-threatening health advice, or when your GP surgery is closed, and you cannot wait until it re-opens. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111
If you see someone in trouble on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Utilities
For gas, water and electrical emergencies:
Wales and West – if you smell gas, phone 0800 111 999
South West Water – to report a water leak, phone the leak reporting hotline on 0800 230 0561
Social care emergencies
Safeguarding Adults and Children - 0300 1231 116
Highways emergencies
Report urgent or hazardous issues – 0300 1234 222
Report flooding or drainage issues on public roads by phoning 0300 1234 222
Environment Agency Floodline - 24-hour advice – 0345 988 1188
Be aware around trees during the storm
Strong winds can bring down trees and branches without warning.
Please avoid parks, woodlands and other tree-covered areas during unsettled weather. Fallen trees, hidden hazards and unstable ground can also make paths dangerous.
If you must pass through a wooded area, keep clear of damaged trees and don’t stop beneath tree canopies.
Be safe around the sea
With extremely strong winds expected, please stay well away from the coast and water’s edge.
Large waves can knock you off your feet and sweep you out to sea in seconds. Follow the RNLI’s advice and stay out of the water.
If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Follow the latest advice from the RNLI.
Train delays expected
Ahead of the expected weather, GWR have issued advanced warning of delays.
Strong winds increase the risk of trees and other debris falling onto the railway, so lower speed limits will be in place across routes in Devon and Cornwall from the start of service until 1300 on Friday
This means fewer trains will run, with the following changes planned:
Long-distance services will run between London Paddington and Plymouth only, with local shuttle services operating between Plymouth and Penzance.
Tonight's (Thursday) Sleeper service from London Paddington will terminate at Plymouth.
Some early-morning services will be cancelled so that teams can assess any storm damage in full daylight.
Trains that do run are expected to be busier, and some journeys will take longer than usual. Other services in the region may also change as we respond to conditions and work to minimise the impact of the storm
Please check before you travel.
Useful links
The Met Office have an excellent page on how to stay safe in a storm:
The Met Office: Stay safe in a storm
The following links can also help you to be prepared:
Community Preparedness
Household Preparedness - Prepare for an emergency
Flood Warnings (where applicable) - Get flood warnings by text, phone or email - GOV.UK
River Level Checks (where applicable) - Cornwall - Find river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels - GOV.UK