Storm Austen hits France and Belgium as Storm Boelo brings amber wind warnings and rail disruptions in Scotland
Storm Austen swept across western and northern France, leaving thousands without electricity in several regions, toppling trees and disrupting road traffic, regional trains and flights, with one fatal cardiac arrest linked to a fallen tree. In Belgium the storm produced gusts of up to 110 km/h, triggered orange wind alerts for coastal and urban areas, caused injuries, halted multiple tram lines and led to road closures after fallen trees and power‑line incidents.
Meanwhile, the Met Office issued amber and yellow wind warnings for 70 UK areas ahead of Storm Boelo, forecasting gusts up to 80 mph on exposed coasts, and an amber wind warning was placed over Scotland. Network Rail announced rail service suspensions and speed restrictions across Scotland as Boelo approaches, affecting several lines from Saturday night into Sunday.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 3h later
- Centrist coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
The storms are causing power outages, transport interruptions and travel disruptions across multiple European countries, affecting daily life for commuters and residents.
How this story developed
- Oct 17 Met Office warns of unsettled autumn weather and cooler London nights
- Oct 20 The Met Office warns that Storm Austen will bring wind gusts of 50-60mph to much of southern Britain, with the strongest coastal areas possibly seeing speeds over 70mph.
- Oct 22 Met Office expanded the yellow wind warning to cover all of Wales, forecasting gusts of 70 mph or higher.
- Oct 23 The country has remained storm‑free and is experiencing drought conditions.
- Oct 23 Storm Austen moved into France and Belgium, causing power outages and transport disruptions, while Storm Boelo prompted amber wind warnings and rail service suspensions in Scotland.
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