Storm Austen has disrupted daily life across England, with strong winds and heavy rain bringing down trees and causing power outages. Rail services and road traffic have also been affected, while further adverse weather is forecast for northern England and Scotland.
According to British media reports, thousands of homes in Cornwall, Devon and parts of Wales have been left without electricity after high winds brought down trees and damaged power lines. Repair crews are working to restore power in the affected areas.
The UK Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for strong winds across large parts of England and Wales, warning that adverse conditions could cause further disruption. Although an amber warning for South West England has expired, strong winds are expected to persist in several areas, particularly along coastal regions.
Wind speeds could reach 40 to 50 miles per hour (65 to 80 kilometres per hour) in many locations, with stronger gusts possible in exposed and coastal areas. The Met Office has warned of potential damage to buildings, falling trees and branches, flying debris and further power outages.
Rail and air travel disrupted
Rail services have also been affected. In West Sussex, a tree fell onto the platform at Angmering railway station. Southern Railway said no injuries were reported, but train services between Angmering and Worthing were disrupted.
Trains are operating at reduced speeds while crews work to remove the fallen tree. Passengers have been advised to check service updates before travelling.
Air travel has also experienced delays. Flights from Land’s End Airport to St Mary’s were affected on Friday, with the first flight, normally scheduled for 10:15 am, rescheduled to 2:05 pm. Passengers have been advised to confirm the latest departure information with the airport or their airline.
Further adverse weather forecast
Meanwhile, cloudy conditions and persistent rain are expected in parts of Scotland, particularly in central, southern and eastern areas. Heavier rainfall is forecast for parts of the Grampians and the southeastern Highlands, while conditions in western Scotland are expected to become drier later.
In Northern Ireland, conditions are forecast to improve, with sunshine expected after periods of rain, although occasional showers may continue. Temperatures are expected to range between 8°C and 11°C in northern parts of the UK and between 10°C and 13°C in the south.
