Met Office issues new 21-hour warning as Storm Austen to batter UK - full list of 26 areas

Met Office issues new 21-hour warning as Storm Austen to batter UK - full list of 26 areas Storm Austen is set to bring persistent heavy rain, with several areas at risk of travel disruption and flooding. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Rebecca Robinson 10:18, Wed, Oct 21, 2026 Updated: 12:50, Wed, Oct 21, 2026 (file picture) Several areas are to be battered by rain (Image: Getty) The Met Office has issued a new yellow weather warning for rain. A yellow alert has been issued for parts of Scotland from 6am on Friday until 3am on Saturday as Storm Austen brings persistent heavy rain and a risk of flooding. The Met Office warned that some homes and businesses could be flooded over this period, with possible travel disruption and power cuts. It said: "There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings "Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services. Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads. There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses." Heavy rain is expected to develop across southern and central Scotland amid Storm Austen , extending over the north-east of the country on Friday morning and early afternoon. As much as 40mm is forecast within the areas affected by the yellow warning, with some locations even getting 80mm. Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . This could bring flooding and travel disruption before the rain turns lighter and clears from the west on Friday evening and overnight. The Met Office explained: "An area of heavy rain will develop across southern and central areas of Scotland before dawn Friday in association with Storm Austen, extending over northeast Scotland during the morning and early afternoon. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Met Office urges homes in 38 areas to gather torches and batteries by Friday Met Office names 5 areas facing snow on Friday - full list "Accumulations of 20-40 mm are expected widely within the warning area through this period, with 60-80 mm possible in some locations, bringing flooding and travel disruption in a few places. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "The rain will turn lighter and clear from the west through the evening and overnight." The weather agency advised people in the affected areas to check road conditions if they need to drive, or bus and train timetables, and be prepared to amend journeys due to the extreme weather. It also suggested preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit, and supplies in the event of a power cut. These include torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. Regions and local authorities affected: Central, Tayside & Fife Angus Clackmannanshire Dundee Falkirk Fife Perth and Kinross Stirling Grampian Aberdeen Aberdeenshire Moray Strathclyde East Ayrshire East Dunbartonshire East Renfrewshire Glasgow North Ayrshire North Lanarkshire Renfrewshire South Ayrshire South Lanarkshire West Dunbartonshire SW Scotland, Lothian Borders Dumfries and Galloway East Lothian Edinburgh Midlothian Council Scottish Borders West Lothian Met Office weather warnings Flood Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments