Storm Austen is expected to hit the country on Friday midday and evening. Winds, initially from the southwest then west to west-northwest, will reach storm force (9 Beaufort) to strong storm force (10 Beaufort) at sea.
Along the coast, wind force will range between 6 and 8 Beaufort, while inland, it will vary between 5 and 7 Beaufort. Gusts could reach 80 to 100 km/h, possibly more along the coast.
In response to these forecasts, the 1722 number, for non-urgent fire brigade interventions, has been activated.
