Part of historic pier collapses into English Channel as Storm Austen batters Britain
Over 31,000 homes in the South West were without power today
TL;DR
- A section of Brighton's West Pier collapsed into the sea due to Storm Austen.
- Storm Austen brought 76mph gusts to the South West and caused widespread power outages, affecting over 31,000 homes.
- A power cut affected a reservoir in Sussex, leading to water supply measures.
- A fallen tree blocked a railway line near Stansted Mountfitchet, disrupting journeys to the airport.
- Discussions are underway about improving civil preparedness for extreme weather events.
- Yellow weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain are in place for Scotland and the north of England.
- Trains will be slowed down in areas expected to experience heavy rain for safety reasons.