Story perspectives

Storm Austen knocks out power to 15,000 homes

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 10:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Storm Austen Disrupts Britain

Storm Austen knocked out power for more than 15,000 homes in southern England and Wales.
Jersey recorded wind gusts up to 84 mph (135 km/h) as the storm hit.
A section of Brighton’s historic West Pier collapsed into the sea during the storm.
Families were evacuated from a holiday park in Perranporth, Cornwall, as Storm Austen intensified.
Several UK-France ferry services were cancelled because of Storm Austen.

Summary

Network Rail Halts

Network Rail Scotland halted services on the Kilwinning, Oban, Mallaig and Wick-Helmsdale lines Saturday.
Scottish ministers activated the Resilience Room, chaired by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.
Traffic Scotland urged motorists to plan ahead as heavy rain could cause flooding and disruption.
All schools in Jersey and Guernsey closed for the day because high winds threatened safety.

Summary

Greyhound Gap Evacuates

Greyhound Gap dog rescue charity evacuated rescued dogs to an emergency shelter after flooding in Kidsgrove.
The Environment Agency warned of flooding on Saredon Brook near Coven and Waterhead Brook.
Residents were urged to activate personal flood plans and avoid low-lying footpaths and bridges.
Trentham Gardens closed its lakeside walk and wider gardens as a precaution.
The classic car show in Newcastle-under-Lyme was postponed to November because of storm-related flooding.

History

Historical Context

The night of 15-16 October 1987 the Great Storm ripped southern England, recording a 115 mph gust at Shoreham and felling about 15 million trees; its devastation spurred the Met Office to overhaul observations, models and warnings. Six decades later, Storm Austen has again crippled the UK, cutting power to 15,000 homes, toppling Brighton’s West Pier and halting rail services.

1 of 4

Storm Austen Disrupts Britain

Storm Austen knocked out power for more than 15,000 homes in southern England and Wales.
Jersey recorded wind gusts up to 84 mph (135 km/h) as the storm hit.
A section of Brighton’s historic West Pier collapsed into the sea during the storm.
Families were evacuated from a holiday park in Perranporth, Cornwall, as Storm Austen intensified.
Several UK-France ferry services were cancelled because of Storm Austen.

1 / 4