Storm Austen leaves 168,000 homes without power

Storm Austen brought damaging winds and heavy rain to Britain and France, leaving about 161,000 French households and nearly 7,000 homes in Cornwall without electricity. In southwest England, amber wind warnings accompanied reports of fallen trees, debris and possible flooding, while schools closed or delayed opening and authorities urged people to avoid nonessential travel. Flights, ferries and rail services were disrupted, with speed limits and cancellations affecting routes in the South West and the Channel Islands. In France, high winds also halted cross-Channel ferries and disrupted regional trains, while emergency crews prepared to respond as conditions permitted. Forecasters said Austen would move east, with another named storm, Boelo, expected to bring further severe weather to parts of the UK.