Storm Austen lashes Cornwall, Devon, Jersey and Guernsey with strong winds up to 80mph expected

Summary

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for strong winds for Cornwall and parts of Devon as Storm Austen sweeps across parts of the UK
Meanwhile, there's a red warning in place for Guernsey and Jersey
All schools in Jersey have been told to close on Friday by the Government of Jersey
A number of Cornwall schools are also closed or opening late
Gusts of up to 80mph are set to hit the South West and the Channel Islands

Edited by Sue Paz, written by George Thorpe and Julia Gregory

'Take all sensible precautions'published at 06:22 BST
The States of Guernsey says the worst of Storm Austen is forecast to pass over the Channel Islands between 06:00 and 11:00 BST.
It adds while the impact is expected to be less severe than Storm Goretti in January, the peak of the storm will be during a time when people would normally be commuting.
"We would encourage islanders to take all sensible precautions," a States spokesperson says.
"Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity... Ensure you have taken measures to protect your property, securing things like outdoor furniture at your house and closing windows, and if you have a boat, checking its moorings before the storm arrives."
Schools delay opening timespublished at 06:16 BST
A number of schools across Cornwall have said they will open later today to help children and parents arrive safely.
Many will open after 10:00 BST, when the Met Office's amber warning for wind is due to end.
Others have said they will temporarily shut ahead of the weekend.
You can check the full list of school closures in Cornwall via the council's website, here, external.

Government says schools closed in Jerseypublished at 06:09 BST
The Government of Jersey says all of the schools and colleges it runs will be shut during the storm
It adds other sites including sport centres, libraries, parks and La Collette Recycling Centre will also be closed.
"Emergency, urgent and maternity health services will continue to operate as normal," a government spokesperson says.
"The Union Street customer hub will also remain open."
Weather warning for Channel Islandspublished at 06:02 BST
Jersey Met issued a red warning across the Channel Islands as Storm Austen is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 80mph (130km/h).
It says disruption is expected with damage to moored boats likely in exposed locations.
The Government of Jersey says people should avoid outdoor activity on Friday morning.