Thousands of homes across south-west England lost power and dozens of schools closed on Friday as Storm Austen struck the UK as the first named storm of the year.
The severe weather brought strong winds and travel disruption to the region, with the Met Office recording a 76mph gust at St Mary’s airport on the Isles of Scilly on Friday morning. According to National Grid figures, more than 31,000 properties in the south-west were left without electricity by 3pm.
Yellow weather warnings for wind were implemented across England and Wales, while amber warnings covered parts of Cornwall and Devon before expiring. Stronger conditions also affected Jersey and Guernsey under red wind warnings. Forecasters warn that a second system, Storm Boelo, is expected to bring further strong winds to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England beginning Saturday evening.
