Chester Zoo closed on Friday 'to keep everyone safe' as Storm Austen hits

Chester Zoo closed on Friday 'to keep everyone safe' as Storm Austen hits The popular zoo made an announcement on its website. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Antonio Scancariello , News Reporter 15:28, Fri, Oct 23, 2026 Updated: 15:50, Fri, Oct 23, 2026 Met Office issues weather warning as Storm Austen approaches UK A popular UK zoo has remained closed today "to help keep everyone safe" as Storm Austen hits the country with strong rain and heavy rain .

In a message published on its website, Chester Zoo in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, said it would close today (October). The message on its website read: "With Storm Austen set to bring really strong winds, we’ve made the decision to close the zoo on Friday 23 October to help keep everyone safe. "Our amazing animal teams will, of course, be on site to look after all the animals throughout the day. ZOO TICKETS: If you have tickets booked for Friday 23 October, there’s nothing you need to do.

We’ve automatically extended them until 31 December 2026, so you can visit on a date of your choosing before then. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "OUR STORY BOOKINGS: If you have a daytime or evening booking for Our Story with David Attenborough, you’ll be able to reschedule from Saturday, 24 October. Please contact our guest services team on 01244 380280 or email guest.services@chesterzoo.org to rearrange your visit. We’re really sorry for any disruption to your plans, but we hope you understand."

Chester Zoo is closed today. (Image: MEN) Man 'sexually obsessed' with stepdaughter killed her after sex acts with effigy Horror as 'American Covid' rapidly spreads in UK - 12 grim symptoms to look out for The zoo made the decision after the Met Office issued several yellow weather warnings with strong winds expected across Merseyside and also other parts of the UK, especially the south west of England. The yellow warning for wind covering Chester says: "Whilst the winds across the warning area are not expected to be as strong as those further south and west, a spell of inland gales is possible with gusts around 45 to 55mph during Friday daytime.

In combination with locally heavy rain and many trees still in full leaf, there is potential for some power outages and travel disruption." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT 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 about the storm's exact track, there is increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds across parts of southwest England, which is why an Amber warning has been issued.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "Wind 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." 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 . Storm Met Office weather warnings Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments