The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for strong winds as Storm Austen is forecast to sweep across parts of the UK.

The warning – the second-highest tier that the Met Office issues – is valid for Cornwall and parts of west Devon from 03:00 until 10:00 BST on Friday.

Wind gusts of up to 80mph (130km/h) are expected around exposed coasts, with 60-70mph gusts elsewhere.

Flying debris could lead to injuries or a danger to life, with the risk of power cuts and damage to buildings.

A broader yellow Met Office wind warning covers large swathes of southern England and south Wales with some travel disruption possible.

Storm Austen is currently developing in the Atlantic and will continue to deepen as it approaches the UK.

It will move close to south-west England on Thursday night with the strongest winds expected to arrive early on Friday morning.

The very windiest conditions are expected on coastal headlands in north and west Cornwall – exposed to the north-westerly gales – but gusts of up to 70mph could occur even in inland areas.

According to the Met Office there is a high risk of ‘significant’ disruption with possible delays to road and rail transport.

Air and ferry services could also be affected.

Injuries and danger to life are likely from flying debris and large waves along the coast. Some power cuts are also possible.