Thousands without power after Storm Austen slams into UK

Nearly 7,000 homes have been left without power as Storm Austen hit the UK last night.

Flights and trains have also been cancelled as millions of people are being placed under weather warnings by mid-morning.

Those in the South West are the most affected, with a red weather warning coming into place over Guernsey and Jersey, and Devon and Cornwall are also under an amber warning for strong winds.

A number of schools are closing or opening late in the region, and residents have been urged to postpone non-essential journeys, as roads and power lines have been damaged by fallen trees.

The National Grid is reporting 6,980 homes in Cornwall have no power, including 2,241 vulnerable households.

Meanwhile a yellow warning will kick in at 10am across the South East and North West of England, East Midlands and Wales.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong, said: ‘This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through.

‘With trees in leaf, it is likely fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways so take extra care on the Friday morning commute.’

Storm Boelo will follow Storm Austen this weekend, impacting Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer, said: ‘Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen.

‘Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely.

‘The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather.’

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