New Storm Names for 2026–27 – Why Autumn Is the Time to Get Your Power Ready

1 September marks the official start of meteorological autumn – and with it, the start of the UK’s storm season.

The Met Office has just released the new list of storm names for 2026–2027. The first names on the list are Austen, Boelo and Chloe, followed by Dano and Evelyn. Storms are named when they are expected to cause medium or high impacts, including strong winds, heavy rain and disruption that can lead to amber or red warnings.

Anna Barclay/Getty Images

That matters to us because storms don’t just disrupt travel. They cut power.

The BBC’s coverage of the new names includes a reminder of Storm Chandra earlier this year, which lashed large parts of the country in February 2026, hitting travel and cutting power. That is exactly the kind of event that turns a poorly prepared standby system into a serious problem.

Why Named Storms Should Get Your Attention

Storms are named when the impact is expected to be significant. In practical terms, that often means:

• High winds bringing down trees and power lines

• Localised or widespread mains failures

• Voltage dips and short interruptions

• Difficult access for emergency repairs

If your generator hasn’t been serviced, your batteries are weak, or your ATS panel is prone to nuisance tripping, a named storm is when those weaknesses show up.

Don’t Wait for Storm Austen

The names are new. The risk is not.

Every autumn and winter we see the same pattern: businesses that planned ahead stay online. Those that didn’t face lost production, spoiled stock, and expensive last-minute call-outs.

Now is the best time to act – before the first named storm of the season arrives. We recommend:

• A full generator service and load test

• Inspection and testing of your automatic transfer switch

• Checks on fuel quality, batteries and starting systems

• A review of whether your current setup still matches the site’s critical loads

Preparedness Is Part of Running a Reliable Operation

At GES Power we supply, install and maintain standby generators and high-specification ATS panels across the UK. We also provide 24/7 emergency support when the mains does fail.

Storm names make the risk easier to talk about. What actually protects your business is having the right equipment, properly installed and properly maintained, before the warning is issued.

The 2026–27 storm list is out. The season has started.

If it’s been a while since your standby power was checked, talk to us now.

Call 01246 380525Email hello@generator-man.co.uk

GES Power Ltd – Ready before the first named storm of the season.