Full Breakdown
Storm Austen Forces Widespread School Closures in Southwest England
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Core Event
On Friday, October 23, a powerful low-pressure system named Storm Austen swept across the United Kingdom, bringing wind gusts of 60-80 mph to Cornwall and parts of Devon. The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for the whole of Cornwall and sections of Devon, declaring a “danger to life” risk from high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris. As a result, dozens of schools in the affected region were forced to close for the day or open later than usual.
Background & Context
The amber warning, in force until 10:00 BST, followed a yellow wind warning covering much of England and Wales. The storm’s strongest winds were forecast for southwest England, with exposed coastal areas expected to see gusts up to 80 mph. The Met Office warned that such conditions could cause fallen trees, power cuts, and transport disruption. A subsequent storm, named Boelo, was forecast to bring additional heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend, extending the period of hazardous weather.
Data & Statistics
- Power outages: More than 6,000 homes in Cornwall lost electricity, according to the National Grid.
- School impact: Reported figures vary: the Independent cited “more than 80 schools” in Cornwall closed or delayed; CornwallLive listed “over 65 schools and colleges” with one fully shut; the Daily Star recorded a tally of 66 schools affected, noting the number could change as conditions evolve.
- Transport: Several roads in Cornwall were closed due to fallen trees and flooding; train services faced possible cancellations and speed restrictions.
Official Statements & Responses
- Met Office: The agency warned that wind gusts could reach 60-70 mph across Cornwall and Devon, with isolated gusts up to 80 mph, and highlighted the “danger to life” aspect of the amber warning.
- National Grid: Reported that the storm left over 6,000 households without power in Cornwall.
On-the-Ground Reports
Glenwood School, a community special school in Havant, Hampshire, announced an emergency closure on October 23, citing the risk of falling branches from tall trees on its grounds. The school communicated that work would continue via an online platform and that attendance would be recorded as an authorised emergency closure. The school expects to reopen on Monday, November 2, after the half-term break.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of schools impacted in Cornwall:
- The Independent reported “more than 80 schools” closed or delayed.
- CornwallLive reported “over 65 schools and colleges” with one fully shut.
- The Daily Star listed a current tally of 66 schools affected, noting the figure could shift.
No single source provided a definitive, final count, and the situation remained fluid as weather conditions evolved throughout the day.
What’s Next
The Met Office warned that Storm Boelo is expected to arrive over the weekend, bringing further heavy rain and strong winds to the UK, with yellow wind warnings issued for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England. Residents in the affected regions were urged to monitor local forecasts and heed any additional warnings from authorities.