Everything you need to know about Storm Austen in Suffolk

Storm Austen is forecast to bring 50mph to the county with chilly rain and potential disruption to transport on Friday and Saturday.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering the whole of Suffolk between 10am until 9pm on October 23.

Here's everything you need to know as the first named storm of the autumn reaches the county.

What is Storm Austen?

Members of the public are being urged to stay well away from large waves and turbulent seas (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Storm Austen is the first named storm of the 2026/27 weather season and has been named by the Met Office due to its potential to cause disruption across parts of the UK.

The storm is developing over the Atlantic before moving eastwards across Britain, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

Forecasters say gusts could exceed 70mph in some exposed coastal areas, while many regions are expected to see periods of wet and windy weather.

How will Storm Austen affect Suffolk?

The whole of Suffolk will be covered by the Met Office's weather warning (Image: Met Office)

Suffolk is expected to experience strong winds on Friday, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning covering the entire county.

Gusts of up to 50mph are forecast in Ipswich and coastal locations such as Aldeburgh, Southwold and Felixstowe.

Large waves, coastal spray, travel disruption and possible short-term power outages are also possible.

When will Storm Austen hit Suffolk?

The storm is likely to bring big waves and plenty of sea spray to coastal regions (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The strongest impacts are expected on Friday, October 23.

The Met Office warning for Suffolk is in force from 10am until 9pm, although windy and unsettled conditions could begin earlier as the storm approaches from the south-west.

Why has Storm Austen been called a "weather bomb"?

Meteorologists say Storm Austen is undergoing "explosive cyclogenesis", a process where air pressure falls rapidly over a short period.

This rapid intensification, sometimes nicknamed a "weather bomb", can lead to stronger winds and more severe weather.

How can people in Suffolk stay safe?

Wind speeds could reach 50mph in some areas (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Locals should secure loose outdoor items, check travel plans before setting out and keep up to date with the latest weather warnings.

People visiting the coast are also being urged to stay well back from large waves and rough seas.