More than 15,000 households across southern England and Wales remained without electricity on Friday as Storm Austen continued to batter the region, according to BBC News – UK. The first named storm of the season delivered wind speeds reaching 84mph in Jersey, bringing widespread disruption to transport networks and causing part of Brighton’s historic West Pier to collapse into the sea.
National Grid reported that engineers had worked to reconnect more than 60,000 properties since Storm Austen made landfall overnight in the south-west before tracking eastwards throughout Thursday. Fallen trees blocked railway lines and roads, whilst ferry services between the UK and France were cancelled and many rail routes operated at reduced speeds.
The storm forced the closure of all schools on Jersey and Guernsey for the day, with some Cornish schools either shut or opening later than usual. In Perranporth, Cornwall, families were evacuated from a holiday park ahead of the worst conditions on Thursday afternoon. Hannah Dawson-Turk, who was among those moved to safety, told the BBC that the previous night “it sounded like our caravan was going to be ripped apart”.
Historic pier damaged and island food shortages expected
In Brighton, onlookers witnessed a section of the iconic West Pier falling into the sea as large waves pounded the abandoned structure, which first opened in 1866 and closed to the public in 1975. Stephen Royle, a local resident, described the incoming waves as “enormous” and said he was shocked by the extent of damage to the landmark, which had become a symbol of the seaside city despite its derelict state.
The Channel Islands face potential fresh food shortages in coming days due to cancelled ferry services. Mark Cox, head of the Co-op on the islands, said the situation was unusual. “It’s rare we get this level of disruption to storms backing up so quickly and probably a little bit more heavier than what we’ve had to deal with in the past,” he stated.
Paul Aked, head of Jersey Met, confirmed that Guernsey experienced gusts up to 76mph, equivalent to a severe gale. Jersey Airport suspended flights “until at least 17:00” on Friday, whilst Cornwall Airport Newquay and Exeter airport saw multiple cancellations.
Amber warning issued for Storm Boelo this weekend
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind covering much of Scotland, the far north of Northern Ireland and northern England for Saturday and Sunday as Storm Boelo follows immediately behind Storm Austen. Wind gusts of 60-70mph are forecast, with exposed coastal areas potentially experiencing speeds up to 80mph.
The Central Lowlands could face particular disruption as strong winds funnel through the region. Yellow wind warnings also cover Orkney, the rest of Northern Ireland and northern England, where gusts of 55-75mph are possible, with isolated areas potentially reaching 80mph.
Heavy and persistent rain is forecast across the UK on Saturday, raising the risk of localised flooding. The Met Office warned that spray and surface water could create hazardous driving conditions and advised the public to secure loose items such as bins and trampolines. Coastal residents and workers were urged to stay indoors as much as possible during the stormy weather.
The severe weather comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government released advice for households to stockpile three days’ worth of bottled water and tinned food to prepare for emergencies such as war, cyber-attacks or natural disasters. Burnham said the guidance was “not about panic buying” but “about just taking sensible measures to have enough in the house to tide you over should there be a difficult situation”.
What this means for Poles in the UK
Polish residents across southern England, Wales and particularly Scotland and northern England should prepare for continuing severe weather disruption through the weekend. If you live in areas covered by the amber warning – most of Scotland, far northern England and Northern Ireland – avoid unnecessary travel on Saturday and Sunday. Check your travel plans with National Rail, airlines and ferry operators before setting out, as cancellations and delays are expected to continue.
If you experience a power cut, contact your regional electricity distributor (find details on your bill or at National Grid’s website). Keep mobile phones charged and have torches and batteries ready. Those in rented accommodation should check that outdoor items such as garden furniture are secured, as landlords may hold tenants responsible for preventable damage. Employers cannot force you to travel to work in dangerous conditions – if an amber or red weather warning is in place for your area, discuss working from home or taking leave.
The government’s new advice on emergency supplies applies to everyone in the UK. Consider gradually building a small stock of non-perishable food and bottled water – around three litres per person per day for three days – along with any essential medications and copies of important documents. This is particularly relevant for families with children or elderly relatives.