The RNLI is reminding those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers as Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern parts of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire from late Thursday into Friday.

The first named storm of the season, Storm Austen, is approaching Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, bringing the prospect of wet and windy weather from Thursday (October 22) onwards.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with winds forecast to reach more than 70mph in coastal locations along the south and south-west coast of Wales.

The expected strong winds will also bring heavy rain posing a safety risk to those visiting the coast. The RNLI is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Stormy Tenby
A stormy scene at Tenby's North Walk (Pic. Gareth Davies Photography)

RNLI Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod said: “Storm Austen is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.

“If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: Lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety.

“If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.”

RNLI lifeguards will be on duty daily (10am-6pm) at Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire, from this Saturday (24 October) to Sunday 1 November 2026.

There are no longer any RNLI lifeguarded beaches elsewhere in Wales.

Stormy weather along the seafront of Saundersfoot this summer (Photo by Gareth Davies Photography)
Stormy weather along the seafront of Saundersfoot (Photo by Gareth Davies Photography)

If you are visiting the coast during the half-term, remember to think about your safety as a priority. Always check the weather and tide and read local safety signage. If in doubt about the conditions, don’t go in to the water, there will always be another day to visit the beach.

The storm is expected to undergo its fastest development during Thursday.

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Alex Burkill, said: “Storm Austen will rapidly deepen as it approaches the UK, undergoing a process known as explosive cyclogenesis. Its central pressure is expected to fall by at least 24 hectopascals in 24 hours, making it what’s sometimes called a ‘weather bomb’.

Amroth storm
A stormy seafront at Amroth (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography)

“The most rapid deepening is expected during Thursday. As Storm Austen gets closer to the UK, it will reach maturity, meaning it will remain a deep area of low pressure but will no longer be strengthening at the same rate.”

According to the Met Office, on Thursday in Pembrokeshire, it will be a dry day with sunny spells mostly, but rain associated with Storm Austen will push into the south later. Mostly light winds, turning gusty with the storm in the far southwest. Maximum temperature 14 °C.

Storm Austen will continue affecting the region for most of Friday, clearing to scattered showers by evening.

Further rain and wind are likely on Saturday ahead of a drier interlude on Sunday.