Storm Austen cuts power and disrupts travel across France and Britain

Summary

Storm Austen hit France and the UK on Friday with heavy winds, rain and large waves. Euronews and Africanews report gusts of up to 160 km/h battering Brittany, where huge waves, uprooted trees and damaged boats were reported, and fallen branches blocked roads in southern England. The Straits Times reports winds of 179 km/h and rain across Europe overnight, saying the storm cut power to nearly 300,000 homes in France, disrupted train and plane services, and knocked out electricity for some 12,000 homes in Britain.

Timeline

1. Euronews

   23 Oct 2026, 13:16 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Storm Austen brought huge waves, uprooted trees and damaged boats to France and the UK, with gusts of up to 160 km/h battering Brittany and fallen branches blocking roads in southern England.

2. Africanews

   23 Oct 2026, 13:17 UTCSource ↗

   Africanews reports that Storm Austen brought huge waves, uprooted trees and damaged boats to France and the UK, with gusts of up to 160 km/h battering Brittany and fallen branches blocking roads in southern England.

3. The Straits Times

   23 Oct 2026, 13:31 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Storm Austen cut power to nearly 300,000 French homes and disrupted train and plane services on Friday, while knocking out electricity for some 12,000 homes in Britain.