A weather warning covering Oxfordshire has been issued as Storm Austen approaches from the south-west, with the first signs expected late on Thursday.
The Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning from 10am to 9pm tomorrow, Friday, October 23, for southern Scotland, Wales and much of southern England.
Cornwall is covered by an Amber Warning.
Forecasters expect a period of strong winds, with gales occurring intermittently.
Winds of 50mph to 60mph are anticipated, while coastal and exposed areas could experience gusts reaching 70mph or higher.
Conditions across Oxfordshire are expected to be less severe than those further south and west, but inland gales could develop during Friday daytime, with gusts of approximately 45mph to 55mph.
Locally heavy rainfall and trees remaining in full leaf increase the possibility of power cuts and disruption to transport services.
Those preparing for the warning have been advised to review road conditions, bus and railway timetables and amend travel arrangements where necessary.
Torches, batteries, mobile-phone power packs and other essential supplies may help preparations for possible electricity interruptions.
The Met Office also said weather warnings can change rapidly.