22nd October 2026
Scotland is being warned to prepare for unsettled weather as Storm Austen brings the prospect of heavy rain and disruption, with further strong winds possible over the weekend.
The main concern is the combination of persistent rainfall and already wet ground. Heavy rain can overwhelm drains, cause localised flooding and make rural roads hazardous. Low-lying areas and routes prone to flooding may be particularly vulnerable.
Travel disruption is another possibility. Standing water, poor visibility and fallen branches can affect road journeys, while rail services may face problems if flooding or high winds damage infrastructure. Power cuts and damage to property are also possible where gusts become strong enough.
For Caithness and the wider north of Scotland, the precise impact will depend on the track of the weather systems. The strongest winds associated with Austen may affect areas further south, but northern Scotland could face further unsettled weather as another Atlantic system approaches over the weekend.
This does not necessarily mean widespread damage is inevitable. The likely outcome will depend on how much rain falls locally, how quickly it arrives and the strength of the winds that follow. However, even a relatively ordinary autumn storm can cause problems when the ground is saturated and several spells of bad weather arrive in succession.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects, check drains and areas prone to flooding, and keep mobile phones charged in case of power cuts. Travellers should check road and rail information before setting out.
The Met Office's latest warnings and forecasts should be followed as the situation develops. The key question is whether Scotland experiences a short spell of disruptive weather or a prolonged period of rain and strong winds extending into the weekend.
For the latest information, visit the Met Office weather warnings service.
Forecasts can change, so the precise timing and severity of local impacts remain uncertain.