Storm Austin hits Britain and France, cutting off electricity to thousands of homes

Storm "Austin" struck large areas of southern Britain and northwestern France on Friday, causing power outages to thousands of homes and disrupting transportation, amid strong winds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour in some French regions.

Austin is the first storm to bear a name during the 2026-2027 season in Britain. It formed quickly over the Atlantic Ocean, before heading towards the British Isles and the French coast.

The storm caused widespread transportation disruptions and power outages in parts of England and Wales, while wind gusts reaching speeds of 135 kilometers per hour were recorded at Jersey Island Airport.

Power was cut off from more than 18,000 homes and facilities in England and Wales, according to data from the National Electricity Grid, while yellow wind warnings included large areas inhabited by millions of people.

Great Western Railway (GWR) warned of train disruptions in Devon and Cornwall, after trees and debris fell on railway lines.

The company imposed restrictions on the speed of trains and reduced the number of trips, while some services were canceled due to weather conditions and the risk of trees and debris falling on the tracks.

In Scotland, Network Rail Scotland announced restrictions on the speed of trains on parts of the main lines of the West and East coasts, along with other lines, due to heavy rain.

The yellow rain warning remained in effect in parts of Scotland until midnight on Friday, amid fears of flooding and additional disruption to transport traffic.

As the impact of Storm Austin declines, Britain is preparing for the arrival of another storm named “Boelo”, which is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England over the weekend.

The British Meteorological Service issued an amber wind warning for most parts of Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and northern England, starting at nine o'clock on Saturday evening and continuing until nine o'clock on Sunday evening, local time.

Wind gusts are expected to reach speeds of about 130 kilometers per hour in some exposed coastal areas and highlands, increasing the risk of falling trees, flying debris, power outages, and disruption of travel.

The authority also issued broader yellow warnings that include additional areas of Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England.

The strong winds and high waves accompanying Storm Austin caused the collapse of part of the historic West Pier in the city of Brighton, in the county of East Sussex, southeastern England.

The pier was opened in 1866, and was one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Brighton, before its popularity declined after World War II.

It was closed to the public in 1975, and was later subjected to repeated damage due to storms and fires, and only parts of its metal structure remained.

The Beau Sejour entertainment center on Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, was also damaged.

Center officials announced its temporary closure due to damage caused by the storm, until the building's condition is assessed.

In France, Storm Austin caused widespread disturbances in the northwest of the country, as the French Meteorological Authority declared an orange alert in 23 departments, in anticipation of strong winds.

The storm led to the fall of trees, the closure of roads, and the disruption of train movement, while trips on a number of railway lines were suspended for safety reasons.