Storm Austen causes power cuts and damage across southern United Kingdom

Storm Austen hit southern England and Wales on October 23, causing power cuts and transport disruption as high winds and rain swept through the region, BBC News reported. The storm left more than 10,000 homes without electricity, according to the outlet. [1]

Outlets differed on the peak wind speeds recorded during the storm. BBC News reported gusts reaching up to 84 mph in Jersey. However, The Independent stated that 110 mph winds battered the United Kingdom during the event. [1][5]

The severe weather disrupted travel across southern England as falling trees blocked roads and railway lines, BBC News reported. In Brighton, a section of the West Pier, an abandoned structure originally opened in 1866, collapsed into the sea during the storm, according to BBC News, The Telegraph, and The Independent. [1][4][5]

Storm Austen is the first named storm of the 2026 to 2027 European windstorm season, which officially runs from September 2026 through August 2027. As FTMQ Climate reported earlier, the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings across Scotland in preparation for twin storms over the weekend. [1][7][8]

A second system named Storm Boelo is forecast to bring further heavy rain and strong winds to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England on October 24, BBC News reported. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind covering Saturday and Sunday, according to the report. [1]