Storm Austen college closures: Full checklist as 80mph winds carry ‘hazard to life’ warning

Schools in the UK have been forced to close or open late as Storm Austen sparks a Met Office ‘danger to life’ amber warning

Numerous schools in England have been forced to shut their doors or delay opening times today as Storm Austen triggers a “danger to life” alert. An amber weather warning has been issued for the South West, running from 1am until 10am on Friday, affecting the entirety of Cornwall and sections of Devon near the border, including Plymouth.

The majority of affected schools are located in this region. The season’s first named storm could bring wind gusts reaching 80mph in parts of south-west England, with 60-70mph winds anticipated widely across the area.

A yellow wind warning is also active for additional areas as west to northwesterly winds sweep across southern parts of England and Wales, commencing on Thursday evening. The tally of schools with altered hours or complete closures currently stands at 66, though this figure may shift as weather conditions could deteriorate.

Cornwall council’s website states: “Some schools have confirmed late openings or closures for Friday, October 23 due to Storm Austen. Parents and carers should check messages from their child’s school or its website for the latest information before travelling.”

In other regions, parents and carers should also consult council websites for additional information.

Brits have also been cautioned about delays and cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services, potential power cuts and building damage, while flying debris and large waves could pose a danger to life. The Met Office warned that the storm will “probably” cause some damage to buildings.

Coastal regions face the greatest threat, where powerful waves could potentially prove fatal. The Met Office has warned that mobile phone signal and electricity supplies may also be disrupted.

Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, has urged the public to take precautions to safeguard themselves, their loved ones and their properties. He said: “We have practical advice that can make a real difference – from checking in with people who may be more vulnerable, securing loose items in your garden to checking windows and doors, and making an evacuation plan for your household, including pets.

“We also urge people to keep an eye on local weather reports and guidance from local authorities.”

Full list of schools facing closures or time changes:

1. Archbishop Benson School – opening late at 10:30am
2. Bishop Bronescombe School – opening late at 10:30am
3. Beacon Academy – closed
4. Burraton CP School – opening as normal but registration extended until 10am
5. Camborne Nursery School – opening late at 11am
6. Camborne Science and International Academy – opening late at 11am
7. Caradon Academy – opening late at 10:30am
8. Carbeile Junior School – opening as usual with option to drop children in later if necessary
9. Connor Downs Academy – opening late at 11am
10. Coverack Primary School – opening late at 10:30am
11. Cubert School – opening as normal but registration extended until 10am
12. Flushing School – opening late at 10am
13. Fourlanesend Community Primary School – opening as usual with option to drop children in later if necessary
14. Grade Ruan Primary School – late opening at 10:30am
15. Grampound Road C of E School – opening late at 10:30am
16. Grampound with Creed C of E School – opening late at 10.30am
17. Gwinear School – opening late at 10am
18. Heamoor CP School – opening late at 10:30am
19. Illogan School – opening late at 10am
20. Indian Queens Primary School and Nursery – opening late at 10:30am
21. Kea Preschool – opening late at 10am
22. Ladock School – opening late at 10:30am
23. Lanner School – opening as normal but registration extended until 10:30am
24. Madron Daniel C of E School – late opening at 10:30am
25. Manaccan Primary School & Nursery – opening late at 10:30am
26. Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School – opening late at 10:30am
27. Mawnan School – opening late at 10:30am
28. Mount Hawke Academy – opening late at 11am
29. Mylor Bridge CP School – opening late at 10:30am
30. Nansledan School – opening late at 10:30am
31. Nansloe Academy -opening late at 10:30am
32. Nine Maidens AP Academy – closed
33. North Cornwall Alternative Provision Academy – opening late at 10:30am
34. Padstow School – opening late at 10:30am
35. Pennoweth School – opening late at 10am
36. Penponds CP School – opening late at 10:30am
37. Penryn Primary Academy – late opening at 10:30am
38. Penwith Alternative Provision Academy – late opening at 10am
39. Perran-ar-Worthal School – opening late at 10am
40. Pool Academy – opening late at 11am
41. Redruth School – opening late at 10:15am
42. Restormel AP Academy – opening late at 10:30am
43. Richard Lander School – opening late at 11am
44. Shortlanesend School – opening late at 10:30am
45. St Day and Carharrack Primary School – opening late at 10:15am
46. St Erme with Trispen School – opening late at 10:30am
47. St Ives Infant School – opening late at 10:30am
48. St Keverne Primary School – opening late at 10:30am
49. St Levan Primary School – closed
50. St Mary’s C of E Penzance – opening late at 10:30am
51. St Meriadoc Infant and Nursery Academy – opening late at 10:30am
52. St Meriadoc Junior School – opening late at 10:30am
53. St Michael’s CE – opening late at 11am
54. Stratton Primary School – opening late at 10:30am
55. Summercourt Academy – opening late at 10:30am
56. Trannack Primary School – opening late at 10am
57. Tregolls Academy – opening late at 10:30am
58. Treleigh School – opening as normal but registration extended until 10:30am
59. Treverbyn Academy – opening late 10:30am
60. Trevithick Learning Academy – opening late at 10:30am
61. Troon CP School – opening late at 10:30am
62. Truro Nursery School – opening late at 11am
63. Veryan School – opening late at 10:30am
64. Weeth Primary School – opening late at 10am
65. Whitemoor Academy – opening late at 10am
66. Whitstone Community Primary School – opening late at 11am