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UK travellers face possible travel disruption this weekend as Storm Austen brings strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the country, followed by Storm Boelo in northern Britain.
Storm Austen affected south-west England on Friday 23 October, with the Met Office warning of potentially damaging winds. Storm Boelo is forecast to bring another spell of strong winds to Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England on Saturday and Sunday.
Flights, trains, ferries and roads could all be affected. Travellers planning weekend breaks or October half-term journeys should check the latest weather warnings and transport updates before setting off.
The Met Office issued an amber wind warning for Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of west Devon, including Plymouth. The warning ran from 3am to 10am on Friday, with gusts of 60–70mph widely and up to 80mph on some exposed headlands.
The storm also brought heavy rain and strong winds to wider parts of southern England and Wales. A separate yellow rain warning covered parts of Scotland, with heavy rain creating a risk of difficult driving conditions.
Travellers using Newquay Airport, travelling to the Isles of Scilly or taking trains through Devon and Cornwall should check directly with their transport providers for any remaining delays or service changes.
The strongest winds from Storm Austen were expected to ease as the system moved east. However, conditions and warnings can change, so travellers should check the latest UK weather warnings before departure.
Storm Boelo is a separate weather system forecast to bring another spell of strong winds over the weekend.
According to the Met Office, the main wind warning for northern Britain runs from 6pm on Saturday 24 October to 9pm on Sunday 25 October. It covers mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and the far north of England.
Gusts of 50–60mph are possible widely, with speeds potentially reaching 70–80mph on exposed coasts and high ground.
A separate yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland runs from 6pm on Saturday to 3pm on Sunday. Exposed locations could see gusts of up to 75mph.
These conditions may affect flights, rail services, roads and ferry crossings. Travellers heading to the Scottish islands or taking ferries between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland should check with their operator before leaving home.
With October half-term approaching or already under way in some areas, families travelling this weekend should allow extra flexibility in their plans.
Check flight status: use your airline’s official website or app before leaving for the airport.
Check train services: see National Rail and your train operator’s latest updates.
Confirm ferry crossings: check sailing times and disruption notices directly with the ferry company.
Allow extra travel time: strong winds, fallen branches and heavy rain may affect roads and public transport.
Check the clocks: British Summer Time ends at 2am on Sunday 25 October, when the clocks go back one hour to 1am GMT. Double-check early departures and connections.
Don’t assume a service is running as normal just because you have a valid ticket. Check for updates shortly before setting off.
Severe weather that makes flying unsafe is generally considered an extraordinary circumstance. This means passengers may not be entitled to standard flight delay or cancellation compensation.
However, no compensation doesn’t mean no rights. Under UK passenger rights rules, passengers whose flights are cancelled can generally choose between a refund and an alternative flight. If they’re waiting for a replacement flight, airlines must also provide care and assistance where required, including meals and accommodation for overnight waits.
If you booked your flight as part of a package holiday, contact your holiday provider to understand the arrangements for your booking.
For more information, read the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s guidance on flight cancellations.
Storms Austen and Boelo are a reminder that autumn weather can affect travel plans at short notice. Checking official forecasts, confirming transport arrangements and allowing extra time can help you prepare for changes.
Planning a future trip? Explore flights with TravelApp or browse our holiday packages to start planning your next break.
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This report reflects information available on 23 October 2026. Weather warnings and transport arrangements may change, so check official sources for the latest updates before travelling.
