# Storm Austen and Storm Boelo: a driver's guide to warnings, bridge closures and fuel before the weekend

> Storm Austen and Storm Boelo warnings by region, the wind speeds that close UK bridges, fuel gaps in the Highlands and what to do if stuck in your car.

Canonical: https://motorbook.uk/articles/storm-austen-boelo-driving/
Last updated: 2026-10-23

News: weather

Austen is clearing the south and Boelo brings an amber wind warning to the north this weekend. Region-by-region warnings, the wind speeds that close UK bridges, fuel gaps in the Highlands and useful numbers if you get caught out.

Nathan James · Published 23 October 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026, 12:40 BST · 12 min read

TL;DR

- **Today (Friday 23 Oct):** Storm Austen is clearing east. Yellow wind warnings still cover southern England and Wales until 17:00, plus a wider yellow warning across much of England and Wales from 10:00 to 21:00 (gusts 45 to 55mph). A yellow rain warning covers southern and eastern Scotland until midnight. The amber warning for Cornwall and parts of Devon ended at 10:00.
- **This weekend:** a second storm, **Storm Boelo**, brings an **amber wind warning from 21:00 Saturday to 21:00 Sunday** for most of Scotland, Cumbria, Northumberland and Counties Antrim and Londonderry, with gusts of 60 to 70mph and up to 80mph on exposed coasts.
- **Bridges close at known wind speeds.** The M48 Severn Bridge shuts to all traffic above 46mph gusts. The Orwell Bridge shuts at 60mph. Vans, caravans, motorbikes and cars with roof boxes are restricted first on most big crossings.
- **In the Boelo amber zone, fill up before Saturday evening.** Motorbook's check of Fuel Finder data found stretches of the West Highlands where the next listed forecourt is more than 30km away.
- **Save the numbers before you set off:** breakdown, 105 for power cuts, Floodline and the road operators are all in the Useful numbers section.
- **Before you call for help,** have your policy number, the phone number you're calling from and your exact location ready. A what3words address or a motorway marker post number is the quickest way to pinpoint where you are.
- **Never drive into floodwater.** 30cm of moving water can float a car, and it can also cause trouble with an insurance claim.

![Wind gust forecast map from the Arpege Europe model for 04:00 BST on 23 October 2026. The storm centre sits off south-west England, with the strongest gusts in dark red and purple over the western Channel, Cornwall and Devon, and weaker gusts in green and blue over Scotland and northern Europe.](https://motorbook.uk/assets/article-previews/storm-austen-wind-gusts-1200.webp)

*Wind gust forecast (Arpege model) for 04:00 BST, 23 October 2026.*

## Why this guide is different

Most storm coverage tells you it will be windy. This guide focuses on the decisions drivers actually face over the next 72 hours: which crossings will shut and at what wind speed, where fuel is thin on the ground in the next warning area, what your insurance does and does not cover, and what to do if a tree comes down in front of you.

## \1. Warnings by region, right now

Two separate named storms are affecting opposite ends of the UK. Austen is clearing the south today. Boelo arrives in the north on Saturday.

| Storm | Level | Areas | When | Gusts expected |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Austen | Amber, wind (**ended**) | Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, parts of west Devon | Early Fri to 10:00 Fri | 60 to 70mph, 70mph+ on exposed coasts |
| Austen | Yellow, wind | South West England, South East England, Wales, Herefordshire | Thu night to 17:00 Fri | 50 to 60mph, 70mph+ on exposed coasts |
| Austen | Yellow, wind | Much of England and Wales, from the East of England and London to the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands | 10:00 to 21:00 Fri | 45 to 55mph inland |
| Austen | Yellow, rain | Central, Tayside and Fife, Strathclyde (parts), SW Scotland, Lothian and Borders, Aberdeenshire | 07:00 Fri to midnight | 20 to 40mm widely, 60 to 80mm in places |
| Boelo | Yellow, wind | All of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney, northern England and parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire | 12:00 Sat to 21:00 Sun | 55 to 65mph, 70 to 80mph+ on exposed coasts |
| Boelo | **Amber, wind** | Most of Scotland (Highland, Western Isles, Strathclyde, Grampian, Central, Tayside and Fife, SW Scotland, Lothian and Borders), Cumbria, Northumberland, Co Antrim, Co Londonderry | **21:00 Sat to 21:00 Sun** | 60 to 70mph, up to 80mph on exposed coasts |
| Boelo | Yellow, wind | Northern Ireland | Sat to Sun | 50 to 60mph, 65 to 75mph exposed |

Source: [Met Office UK warnings](https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings), last checked 12:35 BST on Friday 23 October. The latest update to any of these warnings was at 10:02 BST. Warnings can change quickly, so check before you leave.

The Met Office's Chief Forecaster flagged one detail drivers should note: **trees are still in full leaf**, which makes them catch more wind, so fallen branches and trees blocking roads are more likely than in a winter storm of the same strength ([Met Office](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2026/storm-boelo-named-as-strong-winds-forecast-for-northern-uk)).

**What that looked like this morning:** by 09:20, Cornwall Council was dealing with around 100 highway incidents, most of them fallen trees, with about nine road closures. An overturned lorry closed the A30 eastbound near Avers Roundabout, and power cuts affected 9,251 properties ([Cornwall Council](https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/communities-and-housing/storm-austen-updates/)). In North Devon, the A39 Torridge Bridge at Bideford was closed because of wind, and gusts above 65mph were recorded ([North Devon Gazette](https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/live-bridges-closed-and-trains-cancelled-as-storm-austen-hits-north-devon-9305473)).

## \2. The wind speeds that close UK bridges

Every major crossing has its own rules, and few drivers know them. This table brings them together from the operators' own published procedures.

| Crossing | What happens, and when | Who is affected | Check status |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| M48 Severn Bridge | 30 knots (about 35mph): 40mph limit. 35 knots: leeward lanes closed. **40 knots (46mph): closed to all traffic.** 70 knots (80mph): both Severn bridges close | Everyone. High-sided vehicles are no longer filtered separately, so the whole bridge shuts | [National Highways](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/live-travel-updates/the-severn-bridges/) |
| M4 Prince of Wales Bridge | Has wind barriers and stays open longer. Closes only above 70 knots (80mph) | Everyone | As above |
| A14 Orwell Bridge | Forecast over 50mph: 40mph limit. **Forecast 60mph or more: closed** | Everyone | [National Highways](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/live-travel-updates/the-orwell-bridge/) |
| A282 Dartford QEII Bridge | Crosswind 50mph: 30mph advisory limit. 55mph: two lanes closed. **Over 60mph crosswind (70mph headwind): closed**, with traffic sent through the tunnels (height limits 5.03m and 4.80m) | Everyone | [Protocol (National Highways EIR)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c813b89ed915d07d79dcf3b/Highways_England_Response__EIR_768888_-_Dartford_crossing_closure_due_to_wind_-_Redacted_Redacted.pdf) |
| A38 Tamar Bridge | Gusts 45 to 55mph: centre lane closed. **55 to 75mph: wind-susceptible vehicles banned.** Higher still: closed to all traffic | Vans, caravans, roof racks, motorbikes, double-deckers | [Tamar Crossings](https://www.tamarcrossings.org.uk/travel-updates/tamar-bridge-weather-information/) |
| Forth Road Bridge | Routinely closed to high-sided and wind-susceptible vehicles when gusts exceed 50mph | High-sided vehicles | [Forth Bridges](https://www.theforthbridges.org/plan-your-journey/forth-bridges-wind-weather/) |
| M90 Queensferry Crossing | 3.3m wind shielding keeps it open to high-sided vehicles in winds up to 70mph. It has never closed to cars for wind since opening in 2017. If HGVs are diverted, the nearest alternative is via Kincardine, about 34 miles | High-sided vehicles above 70mph | [Forth Bridges](https://www.theforthbridges.org/news-and-blogs-from-the-forth-bridges/queensferry-crossing-wind-shielding-success/) |
| A15 Humber Bridge | No fixed threshold. Decisions are based on wind strength, direction and gusts | Its restricted list includes **cars with roof boxes**, vehicles towing trailers or caravans, motorhomes, Luton vans, modified Transit vans, motorbikes and mopeds | [Humber Bridge](https://www.humberbridge.co.uk/humberbridge/high-sided-and-or-wind-vulnerable-vehicles/) |

**What this means for the weekend:** with Boelo's amber zone forecasting 60 to 70mph gusts, the Forth Road Bridge is likely to restrict high-sided vehicles, and the Queensferry Crossing's 70mph shielding limit could be tested on exposed stretches. In the south, today's 45 to 55mph inland gusts sit right around the M48 Severn Bridge's 46mph closure trigger, so plan on using the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

## \3. Fuel before Boelo: where forecourts are thin on the ground

*Original Motorbook data.* The Met Office warns that Boelo is likely to cause power cuts and close roads in the amber area. In towns that barely matters for fuel. On the West Highland and island roads it can, because the next forecourt may be a long way off and a closed road can turn a short trip into a long detour.

At 10:43 BST today, Motorbook checked the government's Fuel Finder data (via Motorbook's own copy) for the 10 nearest listed forecourts around five places in Boelo's amber or yellow area, plus two places hit by Austen for comparison.

| Area (postcode district) | Storm | Listed forecourts within about 15km | Then the next listed forecourt | Cheapest to dearest petrol (E10) among the 10 nearest |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Fort William (PH33) | Boelo amber | 4 | 31.4km | 170.9p to 206.8p |
| Stornoway, Lewis (HS1) | Boelo amber | 4 within 10km | 15.3km, then 17.2km, then 30.7km | 173.9p to 185.9p |
| Oban (PA34) | Boelo amber | 5 | 16.1km (Craignure, which is on Mull) | 170.9p to 194.0p |
| Keswick (CA12) | Boelo amber | 2 | 16.8km | 171.9p to 175.9p\* |
| Bushmills, Co Antrim (BT57) | Boelo amber | 10 | n/a | 161.9p to 169.9p |
| Bideford (EX39) | Austen | 10 | n/a | 168.9p to 173.9p |
| Penzance (TR18) | Austen | 5 | 15.1km | 170.9p to 179.9p |

How to read this: distances are as returned by the Fuel Finder lookup from each postcode district, so they are not road distances. Prices are retailer-reported and can lag the pump. Some small rural forecourts list diesel only. \*One Cumbrian listing appears to have its E10 and E5 prices swapped, so it is excluded from the Keswick range.

What stands out:

- **Around Fort William, the 10 nearest forecourts stretch out to 45km.** After the four in and near town, the next listed forecourt is 31.4km away.
- **Prices in the remote amber area vary by up to 36p a litre.** Among the 10 nearest to Fort William, petrol runs from 170.9p to 206.8p and diesel from 198.9p to 224.0p, with the dearest pumps at the remote end. Filling up in town before the storm saves both the detour and the premium.
- **Coastal Antrim and North Devon are better served.** All 10 nearest forecourts to Bushmills are within 12km, and all 10 nearest to Bideford are within 14km.

**Practical rule:** if you live or are travelling in the Boelo amber area, aim to have at least half a tank by Saturday afternoon. Many forecourt pumps and card machines rely on mains power, and power cuts are flagged as likely. For EV drivers the same logic applies to charge: top up before Saturday evening rather than relying on a rapid charger on the day.

You can see live forecourt prices, and how recently each one was updated, in [Motorbook](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mot-tax-service-log-motorbook/id6802884808), a free iPhone app that maps the government Fuel Finder data.

## \4. Caught out on the road: what to actually do

Based on the Highway Code (rules [232 and 233](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions-226-to-237)), Met Office [travel advice](https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/travelling-in-storms-rain-and-wind) and operator guidance.

**While driving in strong wind**

1. Slow down and hold the wheel firmly with both hands, especially when overtaking.
2. Expect sudden side gusts at gaps between trees or buildings, on bridges and on open stretches. Leave room on both sides of the car.
3. Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, buses, vans and caravans more room. Hang well back when a motorcycle is passing a high-sided vehicle (Rule 233).
4. Keep at least a four-second gap in the wet. Stopping distances at least double on wet roads (Rule 227).
5. Prefer main roads, which are less likely to be blocked by fallen branches.

**If a tree or power line blocks the road**

1. Stop safely well back, put your hazard lights on and do not try to drive around or under it.
2. **Never touch or go near fallen power lines.** If one is on your car, stay inside and call 999.
3. Call 999 if anyone is hurt or the road is dangerous. Report fallen trees on council roads to the local council. On motorways and major A roads, report to National Highways on 0300 123 5000. Report power problems on 105 in England, Scotland and Wales ([powercut105.com](https://www.powercut105.com/)), or on 03457 643 643 in Northern Ireland ([NIE Networks](https://www.nienetworks.co.uk/power-cuts)). All the key numbers are in the Useful numbers section below.
4. Turn around only where it is safe and legal, then follow the signed diversion.
5. If you need a breakdown provider, see [Before you call your breakdown provider](https://motorbook.uk/articles/storm-austen-boelo-driving/#before-you-call) below.

**If the road ahead is flooded**

- Turn around. The Met Office says the number one cause of death in flooding is driving through floodwater. **30cm of moving water can float a car**, and an egg cup of water drawn into the engine can cause severe damage ([Met Office](https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/travelling-in-storms-rain-and-wind)).

**If you are stuck in a queue or stranded**

- If the car has broken down, have your details ready before you call (see [Before you call your breakdown provider](https://motorbook.uk/articles/storm-austen-boelo-driving/#before-you-call)).
- Stay in the vehicle unless it is unsafe. On a motorway, if you have to stop, get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the barrier.
- Run the engine only in short bursts for heat, and keep the exhaust clear.
- Keep your phone charged for emergencies. Mobile coverage can drop during power cuts, as the Met Office warning notes.

**Storm kit for the boot (checklist)**

- Phone power bank and car charging cable
- Torch and spare batteries
- Warm coat, waterproof, gloves and boots
- Water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Hi-vis vest
- Printed or saved breakdown and insurer numbers
- Paper map of your route (in case signal and sat nav fail)

## \5. Your vehicle type matters more than you think

| Vehicle | The extra risk | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Car with roof box or bike rack | Catches crosswinds. Banned from the Humber Bridge during restrictions, and roof racks with large items are banned from the Tamar Bridge | Take it off before a long trip, or route around exposed crossings |
| Van (Luton, high-top or modified) | First in line for restrictions on the Tamar and Humber bridges | Check bridge status before setting off. A standard curved 3.5t Transit is treated differently from a boxy van on the Humber Bridge |
| Towing a caravan or trailer | Restricted on most major bridges during high winds | Postpone non-essential trips through amber areas |
| Motorbike | Rules 232 and 233: blown off course by gusts and turbulence from large vehicles | Avoid exposed routes. Restricted on the Tamar and Humber bridges |
| EV | Chargers need mains power | Charge before Saturday evening in the Boelo area |

## \6. Insurance and breakdown cover: the realities

- **Comprehensive** motor insurance usually covers storm and flood damage, including a tree falling on your car ([ABI](https://www.abi.org.uk/media-hub/news-post/flooding-and-storm-pia-insurance-advice)). **Third party only** cover does not pay for damage to your own car. Check whether your third party, fire and theft policy covers storm damage. Many do not.
- **Driving into visible floodwater** when you could have turned back can lead an insurer to question or reduce a claim ([Which?](https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/flood-disruption-and-damage-what-can-your-insurance-pay-for-aS06u3N1Q4Tt)).
- If your car is damaged, take photos where it is safe to, contact your insurer as soon as possible, and keep receipts for any emergency costs ([ABI](https://www.abi.org.uk/media-hub/news-post/flooding-and-storm-pia-insurance-advice)).

## \7. MOT or service booked this weekend?

If a storm forces you to cancel a garage booking, the rules do not bend. If your MOT runs out, you cannot drive or park the car on the road. The only exceptions are driving to or from somewhere to be repaired, or to a pre-arranged MOT test. The fine is up to £1,000 ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/penalties-for-not-having-a-valid-mot)). You can take an MOT up to a month (minus a day) early and keep the same renewal date, so rebook quickly. If your MOT is due in the next few weeks, a reminder app such as Motorbook can help you avoid running out of time when bookings get pushed back.

**Before you call your breakdown provider**

These tips apply whichever provider you use. They are based on [Britannia Rescue's guidance](https://www.britanniarescue.com/breakdown-cover/existing-customers/broken-down.html).

- **Your policy or membership number**, and the phone number you're calling from.
- **Exactly where you are.** The free [what3words](https://www.britanniarescue.com/breakdown-cover/what-three-words.html) app gives every 3m by 3m square a unique three-word address. As long as you have downloaded it in advance, it works with no internet connection because it uses your phone's GPS. Download it before you set off. On a motorway, the numbers and letters on the blue and white marker posts or the driver location signs also pinpoint you, and the free roadside emergency phones connect straight to National Highways.
- **If you have personal cover and are not in your nominated vehicle**, have its make, model and number plate ready.

## Useful numbers

Checked against each organisation's own website on 23 October 2026. **If you have breakdown cover, use the number on your membership card, policy documents or app first.** Many policies are sold under another brand name, and many providers say their app or online form is the quickest way to report a breakdown.

**999 or 101?** Call **999** if there is an immediate danger to life, or after a collision where life is at risk or the road is blocked. Call **101** for non-emergencies ([Police.uk](https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-us/)). If you are stuck in a live motorway lane and cannot get out safely, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt and hazard lights on, then call 999 or press your car's SOS (eCall) button and ask for the police ([National Highways](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/safety/driving-on-our-roads/driving-on-motorways/)).

### Breakdown providers (24 hours)

| Provider | Breakdown number (UK) | Notes | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AA | 03330 046 046 | Members or not. Members can also report online or in the AA app. Non-members can call 0800 88 77 66 for instant cover | [theaa.com](https://www.theaa.com/help-support/contact-us-breakdown), [AA advice](https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/broken-down-get-help) |
| AA Ireland members in Northern Ireland | +353 1 649 74 60 | Applies to AA Ireland (theaa.ie) policies only | [AA Ireland terms (PDF)](https://www.theaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AA-Membership-TCs-Sept-25-Web.pdf) |
| RAC | 0333 2000 999 | Members can also report online or in the myRAC app. Non-members: 0330 159 8743. Text relay 18001, or text 07855 828282 | [rac.co.uk](https://www.rac.co.uk/contact-us) |
| Green Flag | 0800 400 600 | Helps non-customers too. Hard of hearing: text RESCUE and what has happened to 61009 | [greenflag.com](https://www.greenflag.com/contact-us) |
| Start Rescue | 01206 785999 or 0333 320 0975 | A self-service app is also available | [startrescue.co.uk](https://www.startrescue.co.uk/contact-us) |
| Britannia Rescue | 0330 678 7154 | Text relay: dial 18001 first | [britanniarescue.com](https://www.britanniarescue.com/breakdown-cover/existing-customers/broken-down.html) |
| LV= breakdown cover | 0330 678 7111 | LV= lists this number for its customers who have broken down (the service is provided by Britannia Rescue) | [lv.com](https://www.lv.com/car-insurance/existing-customers) |
| Halfords Breakdown Cover | 0333 320 1395 or 01206 812770 |  | [halfordsbreakdowncover.com](https://www.halfordsbreakdowncover.com/contact-us) |

### Roads and live travel

| Who | Number or site | Covers | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Highways | 0300 123 5000 (24 hours) | England's motorways and major A roads. Free emergency phones are at the roadside, and blue and white marker posts point you to the nearest one. Text 0738 028 3600 if you have a hearing, speech or physical impairment | [National Highways](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/support-and-contact/), [motorway advice](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/safety/driving-on-our-roads/driving-on-motorways/) |
| Traffic Scotland | 0800 028 1414 (24/7) | Scotland's trunk roads and motorways, including fallen trees and flooding | [traffic.gov.scot](https://www.traffic.gov.scot/contact-us) |
| Traffic Wales | 0300 123 1213 | Urgent incidents and hazards on Wales's motorways and trunk roads | [traffic.wales](https://traffic.wales/contact-us) |
| DfI Roads (Northern Ireland) | 0300 200 7899 (24 hours) | Road faults in NI. For live traffic, see [TrafficWatchNI](https://www.trafficwatchni.com/) | [nidirect](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/dfi-roads) |

### Bridges

| Crossing | Contact | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Severn bridges (M4 and M48) and Dartford Crossing | National Highways, 0300 123 5000, plus live [Severn bridges status](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/live-travel-updates/the-severn-bridges/) and [travel alerts](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/live-travel-updates/travel-alerts/) | [National Highways](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/support-and-contact/) |
| Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing | Bridge Control, 0131 319 3083, for advice on high winds | [theforthbridges.org](https://www.theforthbridges.org/plan-your-journey/forth-bridges-wind-weather/) |
| Tamar Bridge | Bridge Control, 01752 361577 (out of hours: press 1) | [tamarcrossings.org.uk](https://www.tamarcrossings.org.uk/travel-updates/tamar-bridge-weather-information/) |
| Humber Bridge | Live status on [humberbridge.co.uk](https://www.humberbridge.co.uk/). Customer services: 01482 235500 (8am to 6pm weekdays, 9am to 1pm weekends) | [humberbridge.co.uk](https://www.humberbridge.co.uk/contact-us/) |

### Power cuts and flooding

| Service | Number | Area | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Power cut line | 105 (free) | England, Scotland and Wales | [powercut105.com](https://www.powercut105.com/) |
| NIE Networks | 03457 643 643 | Northern Ireland | [nienetworks.co.uk](https://www.nienetworks.co.uk/power-cuts) |
| Floodline | 0345 988 1188 (24 hours). Textphone/Typetalk: 0345 602 6340 | England (Environment Agency), Wales (Natural Resources Wales) and Scotland (SEPA) | [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding), [NRW](https://flood-warning.naturalresources.wales/), [SEPA](https://beta.sepa.scot/flooding/prepare-for-flooding/flooding-faqs/) |
| Flooding Incident Line | 0300 2000 100 (24 hours) | Northern Ireland. Not for emergencies: call 999 if anyone is in danger | [nidirect](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/reporting-flooding) |

### Local road contacts in the Storm Boelo amber zone

For fallen trees or flooding on local (non-trunk) roads. Call 999 first if anyone is in danger.

| Council | Number | When | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Highland Council | 01349 886601 (emergency road faults) | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm | [highland.gov.uk](https://www.highland.gov.uk/roads-pavements/road-faults-defects/3) |
| Argyll and Bute Council | 01546 605 514 | Roads | [Traffic Scotland council list](https://www.traffic.gov.scot/contact-us) |
| Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles) | 01851 600 501 | Roads | [Traffic Scotland council list](https://www.traffic.gov.scot/contact-us) |
| Cumberland Council (Carlisle, Allerdale, Copeland) | 0300 373 3736 | Highways hotline, also for emergencies such as a threat to life or serious damage | [cumberland.gov.uk](https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/streets-roads-and-pavements/road-maintenance-closures-and-improvements/report-problem-street-or-road) |
| Westmorland and Furness Council | 0300 373 3306 | Road damage, trees and flooding. Lines open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm | [westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk](https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/streets-roads-and-pavements/road-maintenance-closures-and-improvements/report-street-or-road-damage) |
| Northumberland County Council | 0345 600 6400 | Dangerous or emergency tree issues | [northumberland.gov.uk](https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/roads-and-streets/report-tree-issue) |

Other Scottish councils' road numbers are listed on [Traffic Scotland](https://www.traffic.gov.scot/contact-us).

## Where to check live before you set off

- Weather warnings: [Met Office](https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings)
- England motorways and major A roads: [National Highways](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/)
- Scotland: [Traffic Scotland](https://trafficscotland.org/)
- Wales: [Traffic Wales](https://traffic.wales/)
- Northern Ireland: [TrafficwatchNI](https://www.trafficwatchni.com/)
- Power cuts: 105 (GB) or [powercut105.com](https://www.powercut105.com/)
- Bridges: [Severn](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/live-travel-updates/the-severn-bridges/), [Orwell](https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/live-travel-updates/the-orwell-bridge/), [Tamar](https://www.tamarcrossings.org.uk/travel-updates/tamar-bridge-weather-information/), [Forth](https://www.theforthbridges.org/plan-your-journey/forth-bridges-wind-weather/), [Humber](https://www.humberbridge.co.uk/)

## Frequently asked questions

When does Storm Austen end?

The Met Office expects Austen to clear into the North Sea by Friday evening. The last yellow wind warning ends at 21:00 on Friday 23 October.

Is Storm Boelo worse than Austen?

For the north, yes. Boelo's amber warning covers most of Scotland, Cumbria, Northumberland and parts of Northern Ireland from 21:00 Saturday to 21:00 Sunday, with gusts up to 80mph on exposed coasts.

At what wind speed does the Severn Bridge close?

The M48 Severn Bridge closes to all traffic when gusts above 40 knots (46mph) are expected. The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge stays open until 70 knots (80mph).

Does car insurance cover a tree falling on my car?

Usually yes, on a comprehensive policy. Third party only cover does not pay for damage to your own car.

---

## Sources

Met Office warnings and press releases (20 to 23 Oct 2026); National Highways (Severn and Orwell bridges); Dartford Crossing wind protocol (EIR response); Tamar Crossings; Forth Bridges; Humber Bridge Board; Cornwall Council; The Highway Code rules 227, 232 and 233; GOV.UK MOT guidance; ABI; Which?; UK Government Fuel Finder data via Motorbook, checked 23 Oct 2026 at 10:43 BST (Open Government Licence v3.0).

### Image credits

- Wind gust map: Arpege Europe model forecast (Météo-France) for 03:00 UTC (04:00 BST), 23 October 2026.

*Motorbook is independent and is not affiliated with the Met Office, National Highways, GOV.UK, DVLA or DVSA, or any breakdown provider listed. Contains Fuel Finder data from GOV.UK, available under the Open Government Licence v3.0. This article is for general information. Always follow official warnings and the advice of the emergency services.*

**Written by Nathan James**, the developer of Motorbook, an independent UK car-admin app for iPhone.

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