Storm Austen impacted the United Kingdom and Channel Islands on 24 October 2026 with heavy rain and wind gusts reaching between 50 mph and 80 mph. The UK’s Met Office issued a yellow storm warning for much of south-east England, while Jersey authorities raised a red wind warning with gusts estimated at 61 to 70 knots. An amber wind warning took effect at 9 p.m. on 24 October for Scotland, Northern Ireland’s north coast, Cumbria, and Northumberland, lasting 24 hours.
Flight Cancellations and Airport Disruptions Across UK and Channel Islands
Airlines Loganair and Aurigny cancelled multiple flights on 24 October due to Storm Austen’s severe weather. Loganair suspended flights connecting
Southampton, Jersey, Bristol, and Exeter. Aurigny airlines halted all flights to and from Somerset on 24 and 25 October amid gusts predicted to reach 65 mph. Exeter Airport also reported cancelled flights in southern England.
London City Airport is preparing for probable delays caused by its exposed runway facing heavy winds. Bristol Airport alerted passengers on 24 October to verify their flight statuses, monitor updates, and allow extra travel time. Despite the cancellations, no full airport closures have been announced.
Official Statements from Affected Airports
Guernsey Airport sustained terminal damage overnight on 24 October due to high winds. Initial inspections conducted by Guernsey Ports revealed
structural impact, prompting comprehensive internal and external safety checks before reopening to the public.
Richard Thomasson, Guernsey Airport director, stated around midday that final terminal safety checks are underway, with plans to reopen the terminal at 2 p.m. He emphasized readiness to extend opening hours if necessary to facilitate passenger movement: “We’re just doing final checks for the terminal now and we hope to have that open at 2 p.m., we’re taking every precaution possible but we are very conscious that we want to get open, allow flight to operate to get passengers moving and if we have to stay
open later this evening than our published opening times then we are very keen to do that.”
Bristol Airport issued a statement urging passengers: “With Storm Austen causing disruption across the UK today, passengers travelling to and from Bristol Airport are advised to: Check your flight status before travelling. Monitor airline updates. Allow extra time for your journey and drive safely.”
Power Outages, School Closures, and Rail Disruptions
More than 18,000 homes in south-west England experienced power outages before 10:30 a.m. on 24 October, reported National Grid Electricity Distribution. Brighton closed 20 schools for the day, with an additional 50 schools opening later.
Train services throughout England
faced heavy disruption due to fallen trees and lightning strikes delaying or cancelling routes, especially in the south-west. National Rail and Great Western Railway issued warnings about cancellations and delays on 24 and 25 October. Transport for Scotland advised travelers to only make essential journeys amid the worsening weather conditions.
Storm Austen and Outlook for Further Weather Disruptions
Storm Austen is the first named storm of the 2026/27 season, bringing widespread heavy rain and strong winds causing disruptions to air, rail, and local travel. A follow-up system, Storm Boelo, is forecast for 25 October, threatening additional impacts in northern UK regions including Scotland and Northern Ireland’s north coast.
