All the UK areas with urgent flood warnings as Storm Austen sweeps in

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in All the UK areas with urgent flood warnings as Storm Austen sweeps in Jane Dalton Friday 23 October 2026 11:13 BST Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Storm Austen lashes UK as first named storm of the season hits Two flood warnings alongside 12 alerts have been released by the Environment Agency as Storm Austen brings widespread disruption to the UK. The flood warnings cover Dorset coast at Chiswell and South Devon coast at Beesands, Torcross, Slapton and Dawlish. Meanwhile, the 12 flood alerts cover Christchurch Harbour, East coast of Dorset, Lower River Soar in Leicestershire, River Churnet and River Tean, River Cole, Dorcan Brook and South Marston Brook, River Maun in Nottinghamshire and River Sow and River Penk. Other areas with alerts include the River Stour and Smestow Brook in the Black Country and South Staffordshire, Somerset coast at Porlock Weir, South Devon coast from Start Point to Dawlish Warren, West coast of Dorset and West Dorset Rivers and Streams. People in these areas should avoid seafronts and harbours due to wave overtopping and spray containing debris. They should also avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water, and coastal roads, footpaths and carparks, which may be flooded. In full Storm Austen live: New Met Office weather warnings issued as 110mph winds leave thousands without power