Storm Austen Batters UK, Leaving Thousands Without Power
Thousands of homes in Cornwall, Devon, Jersey, and Guernsey are without power as Storm Austen hits the UK, bringing strong winds and travel disruption. A yellow weather warning for wind is in place across England and Wales, while Jersey and Guernsey remain under a red warning.
The storm has caused widespread disruption, with reports of debris in the roads, trees down, and power lines out. In Cornwall, Truro Golf Club has lost trees for the second time this year, with staff waiting to inspect the damage. The Government of Jersey's Infrastructure and Environment Department has reported a gust measuring 84mph (135km/h) at the island's airport, with teams working to clear roads.
In France, coastal areas of Brittany and Normandy have been hit hardest, with 161,000 homes without power, according to energy provider Enedis. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has warned of severe transport problems in Normandy and Brittany, as well as further inland in the Hauts-de-France and Île-de-France regions.
The storm is expected to continue across the weekend, with a fresh weather warning due to come into force at 10:00 BST. Storm Boelo is forecast to bring more strong winds to Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as North West and North East England, with a Met Office yellow weather warning in place from 18:00 BST tomorrow to 21:00 on Saturday.
