Storm Austin Batters Southern England and Wales as 19,000 Homes Lose Power

Storm Austin has brought damaging winds, heavy rain and widespread disruption to southern England and Wales, leaving more than 19,000 homes without power.

The first storm of the season produced wind gusts of up to 84mph (135km/h) in Jersey. Fallen trees blocked railway tracks and roads, while ferry cancellations and reduced rail speeds disrupted travel across the region.

West Pier Collapses Into the Sea in Brighton

Part of Brighton’s iconic West Pier, an abandoned structure that first opened in 1866, has collapsed into the sea.

Onlookers filmed sections of the pier being swept away by large waves and falling into the water. Stephen Royle, who lives opposite the structure, said he was “shocked” by the “huge” waves and the large parts of the pier that were submerged.

The pier closed to the public in 1975 and later fell into disrepair, but its ruined structure became a symbol of Brighton for some.

Homes Without Power and Travel Disrupted

Storm Austin made landfall in the southwest overnight before tracking eastward throughout the day. Approximately 13,000 homes in the southwest were without power, while more than 19,000 properties across southern England and Wales were affected.

Some ferry services between the UK and France were cancelled, and National Railways advised many services to operate at reduced speeds.

All schools in Jersey and Guernsey were closed for the day. Some schools in Cornwall were also closed or opened later than usual.

Families Evacuated From Cornwall Holiday Park

Families were evacuated from a holiday park in Perranporth, Cornwall, ahead of the worst of the storm on Thursday afternoon.

Among them was Hannah Dawson-Turk, who told the BBC: “The night before last I heard a sound like our caravan was going to fall apart.”

Speaking from a nearby hotel, she added: “The storm is really loud outside right now and you can see the waves from the window.”

More Severe Weather Expected

Further strong winds and heavy rain are expected on Saturday as Storm Boero affects parts of the UK.

The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for parts of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland on Saturday and Sunday.