Storm Austen has left the Tafell beach cafe and bar at Llangrannog in Ceredigion buried under huge mounds of sand, as strong gales of up to 70mph wreak havoc across Wales.
Forecasters have warned that properties are likely to be damaged, with flying debris and fallen trees posing a potential danger to life. Over a thousand homes in Wales were without power on Friday morning, and travel disruption has continued throughout the day.
West coast bears the brunt
The west coast of Wales experienced the strongest winds, with the Tafell cafe caught in the middle of a sandstorm as the coastline was battered by powerful gales. Sand from the neighbouring beach piled up against the cafe's doorways and windows, completely covering the floor outside.
Tafell, known for its homemade ice cream, award-winning pizza, coffee and wine, has been forced to close as a result of the storm. Despite the battering, everything inside the cafe remains undamaged, and the owners are planning a major clean-up operation once the storm has passed so they can reopen as soon as possible.
Power cuts and travel disruption
Ceredigion has been one of the areas most affected by Storm Austen, with wind speeds of 74mph recorded at Aberporth, less than five miles along the coast from Llangrannog. Elsewhere in Wales, trains have been cancelled and roads closed due to fallen trees, causing disruption for travellers.
There may be little respite from the poor conditions, as Storm Boelo, the second named storm of the season, is set to hit the UK on Saturday, bringing more strong winds. The brunt of that storm is expected to affect Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern parts of England, where weather warnings have been issued.
