UK weather - live: Storm Austen 'move to higher ground' alert as at least 117 schools closed

UK weather - live: Storm Austen 'move to higher ground' alert as at least 117 schools closed The Met Office has issued a 'danger to life' warning, with the Environment Agency issuing urgent flood warnings for parts of Dorset and Devon Storm Austen is causing major travel disruption across the UK, with trains cancelled or delayed and terrible conditions on the roads - as at least 117 schools are either closed for the day or delaying their start time. Two urgent flood warnings are in place along parts of the Dorset Coast and South Devon Coast, meaning flooding is expected. The Environment Agency has advised people in affected areas to "move to higher ground". A yellow wind warning covering south-west England, the south coast, parts of Wales and Herefordshire came into force at 10pm yesterday and runs until 5pm today. Gusts of 50 to 60mph are likely, with 70mph or more possible in some coastal and exposed areas. Particularly severe weather has hit parts of south-west England, where an amber wind warning covers Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and Plymouth until 10am. Winds of 60 to 70mph are expected widely, with gusts of around 80mph possible on exposed headlands. The Met Office has warned that flying debris could cause injuries and pose a "danger to life". Another yellow warning for wind will come into force at 10am and run until 9pm today. It covers a much wider area across England and Wales, including London, the Midlands, the North West and parts of Yorkshire. Gusts of around 45 to 55mph are possible. The 117 schools that have confirmed they have so far confirmed they are shut or opening late are in Cornwall and Jersey where the storm conditions are at their worst. Key Events All government schools in Jersey and Guernsey closed for day In the Channel Islands, all government schools and colleges have been closed for the day due to the storm. In Jersey, this includes 24 Government-provided primary schools and seven Government-provided secondary schools - a total of 31 schools, according to the Government of Jersey website. It is understood that all 20 state schools are closed in Guernsey, including 12 primary schools. School disruption across Cornwall - 86 schools affected Cornwall Council has announced the following school and college closures and delayed openings due to the storm: - Archbishop Benson School - opening late at 10.30am - Bishop Bronescombe School - opening late at 10.30am - Beacon Academy - closed - Boskenwyn School - opening at 11am - Burraton CP School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10am - Camborne Nursery School - opening late at 11am - Camborne Science and International Academy - opening late at 11am - Caradon Academy - opening late at 10.30am - Carbeile Junior School - opening as usual with option to drop children in later if necessary - Connor Downs Academy - opening late at 11am - Constantine Primary School - opening late at 10.30am - Coverack Primary School - opening late at 10.30am - Cubert School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10am - Cusgarne School - opening at 11am - Delabole School - opening at 10.30am - Falmouth Primary Academy - opening late at 10.30am - Flushing School - opening late at 10am - Fourlanesend Community Primary School - opening as usual with option to drop children in later if necessary - Germoe School - opening late at 11am - Grade Ruan Primary School - late opening at 10.30am - Grampound Road C of E School - opening late at 10.30am - Grampound with Creed C of E School - opening late at 10.30am - Gwinear School - opening late at 10am - Heamoor CP School - opening late at 10.30am - Illogan School - opening late at 10am - Indian Queens Primary School and Nursery - opening late at 10.30am - Kea Preschool - opening late at 10am - King Charles CofE Primary School - opening late at 10.30am - Ladock School - opening late at 10.30am - Lanner School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10.30am - Mabe Primary School - opening at 10.30am - Madron Daniel C of E School - late opening at 10.30am - Magda's Childcare, Redruth - opening at 10am - Manaccan Primary School & Nursery - opening late at 10.30am - Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School - opening late at 10.30am - Mawnan School - closed - Mount Hawke Academy - opening late at 11am - Mylor Bridge CP School - opening late at 10.30am - Nansledan School - opening late at 10.30am - Nansloe Academy - opening late at 10.30am - Nine Maidens AP Academy - closed - North Cornwall Alternative Provision Academy - opening late at 10.30am - Oak Tree School - opening at 11am - Padstow School - opening late at 10.30am - Pencalenick School - opening late at 10.30am - Pennoweth School - opening late at 10am - Penponds CP School - opening late at 10.30am - Penryn Primary Academy - late opening at 10.30am - Pensilva Primary School - opening late at 11am - Penwith Alternative Provision Academy - late opening at 10am - Perran-ar-Worthal School - opening late at 10am - Pool Academy - opening late at 11am - Probus School - opening late at 10.30am - Red Moor School - opening at 11.30am - Redruth School- opening late at 10.15am - Restormel AP Academy - opening late at 10.30am - Richard Lander School - opening late at 11am - Shortlanesend School - opening late at 10.30am - St Agnes Academy - opening late at 10.30am - St Day and Carharrack Primary School - opening late at 10.15am - St Erme with Trispen School - opening late at 10.30am - St Francis CofE Primary School - opening late at 10.30am - St Ives Infant School - opening late at 10.30am - St Keverne Primary School - opening late at 10.30am - St Levan Primary School - closed - St Mary's C of E Penzance - opening late at 10.30am - St Mawes Primary School - opening late at 11am - St Meriadoc Infant and Nursery Academy - opening late at 10.30am - St Meriadoc Junior School - opening late at 10.30am - St Michael's CE - opening late at 11am - St Stephen Churchtown Academy - opening late at 10.15am with registers closing at 10.30am - Stratton Primary School - opening late at 10.30am - Summercourt Academy - opening late at 10.30am - The Crypt Pre-School, Falmouth - opening late at 10.30am - The Garden Pre-School, Falmouth - opening at 10.30am - Tintagel School - opening late at 10.30am - Trannack Primary School - opening late at 10am - Tregolls Academy - opening late at 10.30am - Treleigh School - opening as normal but registration extended until 10.30am - Treverbyn Academy - opening late 10.30am - Trevithick Learning Academy - opening late at 10.30am - Troon CP School - opening late at 10.30am - Truro Nursery School - opening late at 11am - Veryan School - opening late at 10.30am - Weeth Primary School - opening late at 10am - Whitemoor Academy - opening late at 10am - Whitstone Community Primary School - opening late at 11am Severe disruption expected on rail services National Rail has warned that Storms Austen will cause "severe disruption" on various routes across England, Scotland and Wales today and this weekend. While there are no weather warnings in place for Monday, some disruption is also possible then. Passengers can expect weather-related disruption on the following services today: CrossCountry services in south-west England are disrupted until at least the end of tomorrow No CrossCountry services will operate between Plymouth and Penzance today. There may be further changes to services between Bristol, Plymouth and Penzance today and tomorrow depending on the impact of Storm Austen. Great Western Railway services in south west England are disrupted today and tomorrow Speed restrictions will be imposed on routes in Devon and Cornwall between the start of service and 1pm. As a result Great Western Railway will be operating fewer trains than normal. Northern services are disrupted until Monday A number of lines of route will be amended throughout the day. Check the website for further information. Transport for Wales services are disrupted until Sunday A number of services will be reduced. Check the website for further information. Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services are disrupted today Several incidents of trees blocking railway lines have been reported, blocking some routes. Check the website for further information. South Western Railway services are disrupted today Flood warnings in place Two flood warnings are in place in the UK. Flood warnings indicate that "flooding is expected so you should act now". The warnings cover the Dorset Coast at Chiswell and the South Devon Coast at Beesands, Torcross, DSlapton and Dawlish. Eight flood alerts are in place across England. Flood alerts mean that "flooding is possible so you should prepare now". The Environment Agency says that if you are in an area covered by a flood warning, you should: - Protect yourself and your loved ones - Move your loved ones, pets and valuables to a safe place - Move to higher ground or the upper floor of a building - Turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home if it’s safe - Put flood protection equipment in place - Do as the emergency services tell you - Help others if it’s safe to do so If you are in an area where a flood alert has been issued, you should: - Be ready to follow your flood plan - Have insurance documents and any medications ready - Avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water - Move any livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood Train lines already majorly disrupted Several train lines are already impacted by the storm. Trees appear to have fallen on railway lines across the country, with services facing delays and cancellations. There is disruption between Branksome and Bournemouth. All lines are blocked due to a tree on the railway between Uckfield and Crowborough. Services between Clandon and Effingham Junction are also impacted due to another fallen tree. Brits warned to avoid damaged power lines The storm is likely to cause fallen trees and broken branches. UK Power Networks have issued a warning to avoid any overhead power lines and report them. Schools closed as 'danger to life' warning in force Schools in England are planning to close or open late today as Storm Austen has triggered a "danger to life" warning. The weather conditions have caused several schools to close or open late today as a result of the stormy conditions. The majority of schools facing closures are in Cornwall where the weather conditions are expected to be the worse. Tree blocks railway A fallen tree is blocking a railway line near London this morning. Trains running to / from London Waterloo and Guildford via Cobham, and London Waterloo and Guildford via Epsom may be delayed, revised or cancelled at short notice. Disruption is expected until 7am. 'Little time to recover' between storms Storm Austen will hit parts of the UK today, closely followed by Storm Boelo on Saturday. AccuWeather expert meteorologist Bill Deger warned: “The concern with two powerful windstorms arriving back-to-back is the potential for compounding impacts. “Areas hit by damaging winds and heavy rain from Storm Austen will have little time to recover before Storm Boelo arrives.” Heavy rain hits midlands Heavy rain has reportedly already hit in the midlands as the UK expects chaos to strike today with several weather warnings in place. Storms highlight 'doomloop of extreme weather' Greenpeace climate campaigner Maja Darlington has called on the Government to act to stop a “doomloop of extreme weather”, after a summer of wildfires and drought. She said: “We’ve barely cooled off from a summer of blistering heat, and now the first winter storms are battering at the front door. “While millions of people face the prospect of ruined homes and businesses, oil giants are preparing to announce multi-billion-pound profits next week.” “The Government must take a stand against this doomloop of extreme weather and corporate impunity,” Ms Darlington added. Rescue operation carried out for sinking yacht RNLI launched a rescue operation to save a sailor who was struggling in strong winds. The sailors yacht had run aground on Scarweather Sands and was flooding. Drivers begin to face 'horrendous conditions' Drivers have started to face 'horrendous conditions' in the South West as the county is set to be battered by strong winds and torrential rains. The Met Office said Storm Austen is “likely to bring some disruption and possible damaging winds” and warned of disruption on the roads and public transport networks. Drivers have been urged to take care when travelling in stormy conditions, with the forecaster warning "if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down". Brits urged to check in on vulnerable people through storm Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, has encouraged the public to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their homes. He said: “We have practical advice that can make a real difference – from checking in with people who may be more vulnerable, securing loose items in your garden to checking windows and doors, and making an evacuation plan for your household, including pets. “We also urge people to keep an eye on local weather reports and guidance from local authorities.” How many weather warnings are in place? The first yellow warning, which comes into force at midnight and remains in place until 5pm tomorrow, covers mainly Wales and south-west England. The second yellow warning, which runs from 10am to 9pm tomorrow, covers a wider area of England. An amber warning covering south-west England is in place from 1am to 10am tomorrow. Gusts of 60 to 70mph are likely, potentially reaching 80mph over exposed headlands. Railway implements speed restriction due to storm ScotRail has implemeted speed restrictions for Friday due to the Met Office weather warning for heavy rain. The rail provider said it "has implemented speed restrictions across parts of the railway, meaning a revised timetable will be in place across some routes tomorrow. " These restrictions are being introduced to allow trains to operate safely during the forecast weather conditions." Danger of life warning in South West According to the Met Office there is a risk of "injuries and danger to life... from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties" in the South West, where an amber warning will be in place. The impacted areas include: - Cornwall - Devon - Isles of Scilly - Plymouth Satellite image shows storm building Satellite imagery shows the storm building as winds are due to pick up overnight. What do the next few days look like? Windy. Tonight’s weather warning is just the start, there are yellow and amber alerts in place on each remaining day of this week. Thursday A yellow warning for wind beginning at 10pm and lasting until 5pm on Friday covers the South West and the southern coast of England along with parts of Wales. Friday On Friday the previous weather warning is joined by two others, a second yellow warning for wind starting at 10am and running until 9pm and covering the rest of Wales and a swathe of England from Blackpool to Norwich. Meanwhile a more serious amber alert for wind runs from 1am to 10am and covers the south western tip of the UK as far inland as Plymouth on the south coast and Ilfracombe on the north. Saturday On Saturday the warnings move northwards with a yellow warning for wind covering Northern Ireland from 6pm until 3pm on Sunday while a second warning covers Scotland and northern England from 3pm until 9pm on Sunday. Sunday The two warnings for wind for Northern Ireland and Scotland and northern England continue into today, until 3pm and 9pm respectively. How to stay safe tonight The Met Office has published the following guidance for people caught in the path of tonight's extreme weather. "Prepare to protect your property and people from injury," the warning states. Prople are urged to check for loose items outside homes and secure them. Items that might need looking at include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. Getting ready for power cuts ahead of time is also being advised by the forcaster. "Consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items," the Met Office said. "If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard." What should you expect? The Met Office has said the following impacts can be expected from the winds battering the UK tonight and tomorrow. - Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. - Some roads and bridges may close. - 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 happen. - Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible. - Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. 'Disruption to travel is likely' - Met Office Brits have been warned that the strong winds forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning could cause travel disruptions. The current yellow warning says road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. People are advised to check road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. First warning comes into force A Met Office yellow weather warning for wind came into force at 10pm tonight, the first of a string of weather warnings set to last until Sunday. This first warning will see "strong west to northwesterly winds will spread across southern parts of England and Wales during Thursday night and into Friday,” the Met Office said. “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. “Ahead of this, a spell of southerly winds with gusts of 50-60 mph will move east along the south coast of England during Thursday night. Winds will slowly ease during Friday afternoon.” Storm Austen warning covers 41 areas as 70mph gusts possible A yellow wind warning for Storm Austen covers 41 local authority areas across southern England, Wales and Herefordshire. The Met Office says gusts of 50-60mph are likely, with some coastal and exposed areas potentially seeing 70mph or more. Travel disruption, power cuts and damage to buildings are possible, while flying debris and large waves could also pose a danger.