Storm Austen hits the UK
Oct 22, 2026
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the 2026/27 season, is crossing southern Britain tonight and into Friday. The Met Office has an Amber wind warning in place for Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of West Devon, with gusts of 60–70 mph possible and spells of heavy rain. Yellow warnings cover a wider area of the south, and parts of Scotland face heavy rain.
For many businesses, the clock starts as soon as the storm passes.
- Water is getting into buildings.
- Roofs and cladding are exposed.
- Machinery and stock may be at risk.
- Owners are trying to work out whether they can keep trading on Monday.
For Insurers and their clients, what happens in the first 48 hours can shape the rest of the claim.
Acting early helps to:
- Prevent further damage before the next band of rain arrives
- Make buildings and assets safe and secure
- Preserve evidence before it’s cleared away
- Identify where specialist help is needed
- Establish the true extent of the loss
- Understand the likely business interruption
But catastrophe response isn’t only about speed. It’s about making the right decisions quickly and that takes experienced people who can read the situation, set priorities and bring in the right technical expertise.
Austen is unlikely to be the last storm this winter. With a strong El Niño in play and the Atlantic already active, the season has started early. The best time to plan a CAT response is before the next storm arrives.
If Storm Austen has affected you or your clients, get in touch with Andrew Medlicott, UK Director
