Austen hit Britain. Thousands of homes without electricity, canceled flights and closed schools

The storm particularly affected residents of Cornwall, Devon and the London-dependent islands of Jersey and Guernsey in the English Channel.

In England, electricity stopped reaching approximately 18,000 people. farms - informed the owner of the energy infrastructure, National Grid.

All schools have been closed in Jersey. In Cornwall, around 90 facilities started classes late or did not open at all. A red weather alert was in effect for Guernsey this morning. Many buses did not leave the depot.

Disruptions to rail and air traffic

Great Western Railway, which operates connections in Cornwall and Devon, as well as routes including: from London to Bristol.

Restrictions have also been introduced in Scotland. Network Rail Scotland said trains must run at slower speeds on many sections.

Serious problems occurred at airports. According to the Jersey airport departures board, around 70% of flights were canceled in the early afternoon. connections. Planes did not take off, including: to London, Manchester and Edinburgh. In the morning wind in the airport area reached a speed of 135 km/h.

Guernsey airport was closed until approximately 17 Polish time. The port authorities reported minor damage caused by the element. Difficulties, although on a smaller scale, were also reported at airports in Exeter, Belfast and Southampton.

A fragment of the historic pier collapsed into the sea

The effects of the storm were also visible in Brighton in the south of England. Part of the decaying Victorian West Pier collapsed into the water under the pressure of the waves.

The facility has been one of the city's symbols for decades. It was closed to visitors in 1975, and since then the structure has gradually deteriorated and collapsed into the sea.

The operator of ferries between the Isle of Wight and Hampshire has also canceled some sailings.

Austen is the first strong wind this season. However, meteorologists warn that another low pressure, Boelo, is expected to reach the UK on Saturday.