The Met Office has issued an Amber wind warning for the whole of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of West Devon ahead of the arrival of Storm Austen.

The storm is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds and heavy rain across southern areas of the UK late on Thursday and into Friday.

A wider Yellow warning for wind remains in place from Thursday evening into Friday and has been updated as confidence in the storm's track and strength increases.

Storm Austen is forecast to move across southern Britain late Thursday and during Friday morning, bringing the greatest risk of disruptive weather to southern and southwestern areas.

Alongside severe gales, some locations will see spells of heavy rain. A Yellow rain warning has also been issued across parts of southern and eastern Scotland for Friday.

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 southwest England, which is why an Amber warning has been issued.

“Winds gusts could potentially reach 60-70 mph for a time, and these strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. People in affected areas should keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings as the event develops.”

Winds will gradually ease through Friday afternoon and evening.