Storm Austen leaves more than 10,000 UK homes without power
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, has caused power cuts and travel disruption across southern England and Wales. Storm Boelo is forecast for Saturday, with an amber wind warning for Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland.
More than 10,000 homes in southern England and Wales are without electricity as Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season in the UK, hits the region. It caused widespread travel disruption on Thursday, and conditions are expected to worsen over the weekend when Storm Boelo arrives.
Gusts and damage
Austen made landfall in the south-west overnight and moved eastwards during the day. Gusts reached 84mph (135km/h) in Jersey and 76mph (122km/h) in Guernsey, equivalent to a severe gale. Fallen trees blocked railway lines and roads. In Brighton, part of the abandoned West Pier, which opened in 1866 and closed to the public in 1975, collapsed into the sea.
National Grid, the UK's electricity network operator, said power had been restored to more than 60,000 properties since the storm began. All schools in Jersey and Guernsey were closed, while some in Cornwall shut or opened late. Families were evacuated from a holiday park in Perranporth, Cornwall.
Transport and supplies
Some ferry services between the UK and France were cancelled, and rail operators warned of slower journeys on many routes. Jersey Airport said flights would not run until at least 17:00, and multiple cancellations were shown at Exeter airport. In the Channel Islands, the local Co-op boss, Mark Cox, said fresh food shortages are expected in the coming days because of the lack of ferries.
Storm Boelo on the way
The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, has issued an amber wind warning from 21:00 BST on Saturday to 21:00 BST on Sunday covering much of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland. Gusts of 60-70mph are forecast, reaching 80mph on exposed coasts. The wind could cause further power cuts. Heavy rain is also expected on Saturday, raising the risk of localised flooding. The Met Office urges drivers to take care and people to secure loose items outside their homes.
