Full Breakdown
Storm Austen battering South-West England: power cuts, school closures and travel chaos
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Core Event – Storm Austen hits the UK
On October 23, 2026 the Met Office’s first named storm of the 2026/27 season, Storm Austen, moved across south-west England and the Isles of Scilly. An amber wind warning covered Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly from early morning until 10 a.m., with gusts forecast at 60–70 mph and isolated peaks of up to 80 mph on exposed coastal headlands. The warning carried a “danger to life” alert for sea fronts and coastal roads because of large waves and thrown beach debris.
Background & Context
Storm Austen was named from the Met Office’s annual list. Meteorologists said the storm deepened rapidly as it interacted with a powerful Atlantic jet stream, entering the “left-jet-exit region” that promotes rapid intensification. The same jet stream is expected to steer a second low-pressure system, Storm Boelo, toward the UK over the weekend.
Data & Statistics
- Power outages: National Grid reported more than 16,000 homes without electricity in the south-west, peaking at 18,000 before engineers restored power to about 12,000 properties by mid-morning.
- Wind speeds: Recorded gusts included 76 mph at St Mary’s Airport (Isles of Scilly) and 111 mph in Cornwall.
- School disruptions: Cornwall Council listed more than 80 schools closed or opening late; the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey) shut all schools for the day.
- Travel impacts: Exeter airport cancelled flights; Scillonian III ferry services were suspended; CrossCountry rail services between Plymouth and Penzance were cancelled; and several road closures occurred after trees fell on the A39.
Official Statements & Responses
The Met Office warned that “danger to life” could arise from flying debris and large waves and advised residents to secure loose outdoor items. National Grid’s spokesperson said engineers had restored power to more than 12,000 affected properties by 8 a.m. and urged households to have emergency supplies. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities highlighted the growing frequency of extreme weather and urged the public to stock essential supplies. The RNLI urged people to stay away from the coast and avoid unnecessary risks.
On-the-Ground Reports
Schools across Cornwall opened late or remained closed, prompting parents to check council websites for updates. In the Channel Islands, all schools were shut and ferry services to the Isles of Scilly were cancelled. Flight cancellations at Exeter and rail service reductions caused significant travel disruption, while fallen trees blocked sections of the A39. Residents reported widespread power cuts, fallen trees, and flooded roads.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the scale of power outages: figures range from 6,000 to 18,000 homes without electricity. The exact number of school closures also varies, with the Independent citing “more than 80” in Cornwall while the BBC mentions only the Channel Islands. No single source provides a comprehensive tally of travel cancellations, leaving the total impact on rail, air and sea services unclear.
What’s Next
The Met Office has issued a 24-hour amber wind warning for Storm Boelo, covering Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland, Cumbria and Northumberland from Saturday night into Sunday. Boelo is expected to bring gusts of up to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas and heavy rain across northern Britain. Residents are advised to monitor updated forecasts and maintain preparedness measures introduced during the Austen response.