Part of Brighton's historic West Pier has collapsed into the sea during Storm Austen, which has brought severe conditions to the South West and left more than 31,000 homes without power. The structure, which was set ablaze in 2003, has been gradually eroded by nature ever since.
Storm Austen Causes Damage and Power Cuts
As of 3pm, more than 31,000 homes were without power in the South West, according to a spokesperson for the National Grid, who also confirmed that engineers had restored power to more than 52,000 properties since the storm began. A gust of 76mph was recorded at St Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly on Friday morning.
In social media videos circulated on Friday, part of the pier could be seen falling into the sea as it was buffeted by tall stormy waves. Professor Fred Grey, an honorary historian at the West Pier Trust, said: "Storm Austen has caused more of Brighton's West Pier to collapse into the sea. Ever since the two devastating arson attacks in 2003, the West Pier has been whittled away by nature. All ruins are alive and ever-changing, and this is true of the West Pier."
Government Warning on Flooding and Preparedness
The Prime Minister has warned that the UK could face "a winter of greater flooding" and said we are living in a world where "unexpected events" are "more and more common". Speaking at a summit organised to learn from the summer's record wildfires, Andy Burnham told reporters: "No, we are having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we're living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common."
Mr Burnham added: "Obviously weather events – and we're in a situation today where the UK is facing storms, and obviously we feel for the people without power in Cornwall right now – it is just having those supplies in the house to get you through those moments. We are having that conversation about resilience. That's why we're holding this summit today, it's why we're putting the guidance out to the public. We potentially are facing a winter of greater flooding, so it's about recognising all of those risks and taking action."
Travel Disruption and School Closures
Loganair has cancelled a number of flights throughout Friday, including to and from Jersey, Bristol, Exeter and Southampton. There were seven cancellations at Gatwick Airport due to weather conditions in the Channel Islands. Cornwall County Council's website listed more than 20 schools which had closed for the day, while more than 50 opened late.
The council said its highways teams were dealing with 100 incidents across the county, with most involving fallen trees and branches. A council spokesman said: "Teams are also dealing with flooding, debris on roads and utility-related issues, and further reports continue to come in. There are currently around nine road closures or locations requiring closures. The most significant incidents involve large fallen trees that need specialist equipment or support from utility companies before they can be cleared safely."
Further Warnings and Storm Boelo
Forecasters have issued an amber warning for wind from Storm Boelo, in place for 24 hours from 9pm on Saturday covering Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland, and Cumbria and Northumberland in the north of England. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for the whole of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and the far north of England from 12pm on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday, with "widespread gusts" of 55-65mph widely, reaching up to 70-80mph in more exposed coastal locations.
Network Rail Scotland said trains will be slowed down on Friday and over the weekend to keep people safe in the areas expected to see the heaviest rain. A tree blocking the railway between Wareham and Brockenhurst resulted in blocked lines with disruption expected until 6pm. Southern Rail announced a lightning strike at Normans Bay prevented trains from stopping at the station, and National Rail said fewer trains would call at Ryde Pier Head until 6pm on Friday. Some services between Leeds and York via Harrogate will not stop at Weeton or Headingley, while trains between York and Blackpool North will skip New Pudsey. Storm Austen is due to clear eastwards into the North Sea through Friday.
