Second named storm could follow Austen in just 48 hours - where it might strike

Second named storm could follow Austen in just 48 hours - where it might strike The UK could be hit by two fierce storms within 48 hours bringing heavy rain and gusts of up to 70mph, with a danger to life warning issued for Storm Austen Brits could be hit by two ferocious storms within 48 hours of each other as the Met Office gives a danger to life warning for Friday. Heavy rain and gusts up to 70mph are set to batter the country from Austen, the first named storm of the year as a low pressure system sweeps over the country. And it has now emerged that a second storm could hit over the weekend bringing more strong wind and gales. Forecasts are suggesting an area of low pressure, which could be named Storm Boelo, will reach northern parts of the UK over the weekend, ITV weather forecaster Becky Martin reports. She said: "Forecasters are expecting disruptive winds and heavy rain across the north and northwest of the UK; in particular, there is a good chance this will become Storm Boelo later on Saturday. "So the worst weather will be in southwestern parts on Thursday night into Friday and then in the north/northwest later on Saturday." Storm Austen is forecast to bring gusts of 50 to 60mph to southern areas of the UK at the end of the week, with 70mph possible along exposed coasts. The danger to life warning currently runs from midnight to midday on Friday October 23 and covers most of south-west England, along with southern Wales. Parts of the south coast as far east as Brighton are also affected. And Ms Martin added that it is "highly probable" that the yellow warning will be extended due to the following storm. "A period of strong winds may lead to damaging gusts and transport disruption," reads the yellow warning from the Met Office. And it adds: "There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris." The national weather agency also states: "Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences." Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what’s clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named. “Peak gusts in excess of 70mph are possible on the most exposed coastal areas, while 50-60mph are likely more widely within the warning area. Weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the forecast in the coming days.” Storm Austen will move from west to east through Friday, with winds generally diminishing later in the day. Rain is an additional hazard, with 20-30mm in many places and higher totals possible over higher ground in the west and further north on Friday.