North Wales is expected to experience strong winds and heavy rain on Friday as Storm Austen moves across the country, with two yellow weather warnings covering Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire at different times.

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for Anglesey and Gwynedd from midnight tonight until 5pm on Friday, 23 October. A second warning will cover Conwy and Denbighshire, as well as Flintshire and Wrexham, from 10am until 9pm on Friday.

Although the storm is approaching the UK on Thursday, the main impacts in North Wales are expected during Friday. The Met Office says strong winds will become more widespread through the day, accompanied by periods of rain. Gales are possible along the coast, while exposed routes and bridges could be particularly affected.

For inland parts of the area covered by the later warning, gusts of around 45 to 55mph are possible. Stronger gusts may occur in more exposed locations, although the greatest risk of the most severe winds is expected further south and west.

The warnings highlight the possibility of disruption to road and rail travel, delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes, and some short-term power cuts. Coastal communities could also be affected by large waves and sea spray.

For people living in Anglesey and Gwynedd, the warning begins at midnight and remains in force until 5pm on Friday. The exposed coastline and higher ground may experience particularly blustery conditions as the weather system moves through.

In Conwy and Denbighshire, the yellow warning starts later, at 10am, and continues until 9pm. Strong winds and rain could affect journeys along the North Wales coast, including exposed roads and bridges, while coastal areas should be alert to rough seas and large waves.

The Met Office advises people to check travel arrangements before setting out, secure loose items outside their homes and prepare for the possibility of a temporary power cut. Anyone visiting the coast should keep well away from waves breaking over sea walls, promenades and coastal paths.

Across Wales, Thursday has been largely calmer, with showers clearing to leave brighter spells in many places. Rain associated with Storm Austen is expected to spread northeastwards overnight and into Friday, while winds strengthen and become more widespread.

The strongest winds and most significant warning conditions are expected in southern and southwestern parts of the UK, where an amber warning is in place for parts of southwest England. In Wales, the impact is expected to vary by location, with coastal areas more exposed to gales and inland areas facing strong gusts and periods of heavy rain.

The weather is not expected to settle immediately after Storm Austen. The Met Office is forecasting another spell of strong winds and heavy rain on Saturday associated with a separate storm, named Boelo, before a brief improvement in some areas on Sunday.

People are being advised to keep checking the Met Office forecast and warnings, as timings and local impacts can change as the weather develops.