The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind covering Herefordshire from midnight until 2pm on Friday , with forecasters warning that gusts of 50mph to 60mph are likely across a wide area and could exceed 70mph in more exposed locations .

While the most severe conditions are expected further west in Wales and south-west England, parts of Herefordshire could still experience disruptive weather as the storm moves through.

What is Storm Austen?

Storm Austen was named by the Met Office on October 20 after forecasters identified a rapidly deepening area of low pressure in the Atlantic.

The system is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, travel disruption and the risk of power cuts to parts of the UK from Thursday night into Friday.

An amber warning for wind has been issued for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly between 3am and 10am on Friday, where coastal gusts could reach 80mph .

Stay updated with all the latest Herefordshire news that matters to you!

 Read the local news and stay informed with our advert-free app, read the paper before anyone else via: The Digital Edition, gain unlimited access to Hereford Times website, and much more.

What is the forecast for Herefordshire?

Current forecasts suggest Herefordshire is unlikely to experience the most severe winds expected in coastal areas, but residents should still prepare for a wet and blustery few days.

Friday, October 23

• Heavy rain is expected between 6am and 11am
• Some roads vulnerable to flooding could be affected
• Strong winds averaging more than 40mph are forecast from midday until around 6pm

Saturday, October 24

• Further heavy rain is expected between midday and 5pm
• Winds of 30mph to 35mph are forecast from the evening and into Sunday morning

Sunday, October 25

• Gusts of around 40mph are expected throughout the day
• No significant rainfall is currently forecast

Forecasters say conditions are expected to remain unsettled well into next week.

Which parts of Herefordshire could be most affected?

Because Storm Austen is expected to have its greatest impact across Wales and south-west Britain, communities in the south-west of the county could feel the strongest effects.

Areas including Ross-on-Wye and Ewyas Harold may experience stronger winds and heavier rain than locations further east.

Is there a flood risk?

Many residents will be asking whether the county faces another spell of flooding as heavy rain arrives.

A flood warning sign was recently seen on Holme Lacy Road near the railway bridge , a location which has suffered flooding problems in previous years.

However, the road is not currently flooded and it is unclear when the sign was put in place.

At present, no widespread flooding is forecast across Herefordshire, but heavy rainfall on Friday morning could lead to standing water and localised issues on roads known to be vulnerable during wet weather.

Motorists are being advised to take extra care, particularly on low-lying routes and in areas with a history of flooding.

What has the Met Office said?

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “Storm Austen is expected to bring a spell of impactful weather to parts of the UK from Thursday night and through Friday.

“While there remains some uncertainty in the exact track of the storm, there is increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds across parts of south-west England.

“People in affected areas should keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings as the event develops.”

Travel and safety advice

The Met Office has warned that strong winds could cause delays to road, rail, air and ferry services, while there is also the potential for fallen branches and debris on roads.

Residents are advised to:

• Secure loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture and trampolines
• Allow extra time for journeys on Friday
• Check weather forecasts before travelling
• Avoid unnecessary travel during the worst conditions

While Herefordshire is not expected to bear the full force of Storm Austen, the combination of strong winds and periods of heavy rain means residents should keep a close eye on the latest forecasts as the storm approaches.