Storm Austen, the season's first named storm, has caused significant disruption across southern England and Wales, leaving more than 10,000 homes without electricity. The severe weather system made landfall in the south-west overnight before tracking eastwards, bringing hazardous conditions that affected travel, infrastructure, and local communities throughout the day.
In Jersey, wind gusts reached speeds of up to 84mph (135km/h). The intensity of the storm was also felt in Brighton, where a section of the historic West Pier—a structure dating back to 1866—collapsed into the sea. Across southern England, the weather resulted in widespread transport issues, with fallen trees obstructing both railway lines and roads.
Educational facilities were also impacted by the conditions. All schools in Jersey and Guernsey were closed for the day, while some schools in Cornwall were forced to close or delay their opening times. Prior to the storm's peak on Thursday afternoon, families were evacuated from a holiday park in Perranporth, Cornwall. One resident, Hannah Dawson-Turk, described the experience from a nearby hotel, stating, "the night before last, it sounded like our caravan was going to be ripped apart." She added, "The storm is very loud outside now, and the waves look huge from our windows."
The disruption is expected to continue through the weekend as Storm Boelo is forecast to arrive with further heavy rain and strong winds. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind covering parts of Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland for Saturday and Sunday.
