Storm Austen brings travel disruption across South East

Storm Austen causes disruption in South East Image source, Reuters Image caption, Ferries were cancelled in Newhaven (pictured) By Joshua Askew South East Published 23 October 2026, 10:08 BST Updated 35 minutes ago Storm Austen has brought strong winds and heavy rain to south east England, causing widespread travel disruption. Roads, railways, ferries and flights have been impacted across Kent, Surrey and Sussex as the first named storm this winter moves through the country.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to a Newhaven petrol station to ensure a side of its roof that had come loose did not fall onto a public highway. Firefighters said they were also called to a different petrol station in Peacehaven, following reports a forecourt sign was "hanging dangerously" above a road. Southern Rail said a tree fell onto a platform in Angmering earlier on Friday morning, though no one was injured.

Meanwhile, part of Brighton's iconic West Pier has collapsed into the sea . It comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind for much of England between 10:00 and 21:00 BST, with gusts expected to reach up to 70mph. An earlier warning for the Southeast's coastal areas came into effect on Thursday evening. To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Part of Brighton's iconic West Pier collapses Martin Funnell, West Sussex County Council head of resilience, urged people to "be sensible".

"Slow down when you are driving, think about whether you have loose objects in your garden which could cause harm. "Look out for your neighbours and families that might need that little bit of extra support in these conditions," he told BBC Radio Sussex . Storm Austen smashes Sussex Need To Know Sussex Listen on Sounds Southern Railway said there were multiple incidents impacting its network, with trees blocking lines between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges, Lewes and Brighton, and Uckfield and Crowborough.

Thamelink also reported disruption to some of its services. Ferry services from Newhaven to Dieppe were cancelled, as were those between Dover and Calais. Kent County Council said a number of trees were down on roads across the county as it urged people to "take care". Roads in parts of West and East Sussex were also impacted. Gatwick Airport warned of a small number of flight cancellations to the Channel Islands. Image source, SeasonalViews/BBC Weather Watchers Image caption, Large waves were pictured in Dungeness UK Power Networks told the BBC its teams in the South East were "busy".

Its website was listing multiple live power cuts amid the adverse weather. Peasmarsh Church of England Primary School near Rye in East Sussex was closed after a tree came into contact with an overhead power line. The Met Office wind warning means people should expect short-term losses of power, spray and large waves on sea fronts and delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes. It urged people to check road conditions if driving or bus and train timetables before travelling.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly," the Met Office added. It recommended people stay up to date with the weather forecast in their area. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook , external , on X , external , and on Instagram , external and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds . Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Related topics Severe weather More on this story Thousands without power and some flights cancelled as Storm Austen lashes South West England