Storm Austen Brings Widespread Disruption Across the UK
A powerful storm, Storm Austen, is causing significant disruption across the UK, with thousands of homes left without power and travel chaos reported in various parts of the country. The storm has brought strong winds, with gusts of up to 84mph recorded at Jersey Airport, and has left over 18,000 properties without electricity in England and Wales.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind across England and Wales, with a red warning in place for Jersey and Guernsey. The storm has also caused travel disruption, with several roads and train lines affected by fallen trees and strong winds.
In Brighton, a section of the iconic West Pier has collapsed into the sea, and a yellow weather warning for winds of up to 80mph is in place for Saturday evening. The Environment Agency has also issued a flood warning for a stretch of the Dorset coast, with people urged to avoid seafronts and harbours due to wave overtopping and spray containing debris.
The National Trust has closed several venues in Devon and Cornwall due to the forecasted high winds, and Liberty Bus is advising people in Jersey to check its service disruption page before travelling. The government is advising people to avoid going outside during the stormy conditions.
Storm Austen is expected to be followed by another storm, named Boelo, which is forecast to bring more strong winds to Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as North West and North East England. An amber wind warning will be in place from 21:00 tomorrow until Sunday evening across much of Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and northern England.
