Storm Austen swept through the English Channel region on Monday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal damage to parts of southern England and northern France. The severe weather prompted airport closures on the Channel Islands and left thousands without power in southwest England.

The Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney all suspended airport operations due to the adverse conditions caused by Storm Austen. More than 15,000 customers experienced power outages amid the storm in southwest England, according to local utility reports.

One of the notable impacts of the storm occurred along the south coast of England, where waves pounded Newhaven harbour. The historic West Pier in Brighton sustained significant damage, with a portion of the structure collapsing into the sea under the force of the battering waves.

Forecasters warn that a second weather system, named Boelo, is expected to move through the region on Tuesday, bringing further strong winds of up to 129 kilometers per hour to coastal zones. Authorities have issued advisories for residents to prepare for additional disruptions along the coastline as the storm approaches.

The combination of rainfall, high winds, and surging tides has heightened concerns about coastal erosion and infrastructure resilience in affected areas. Emergency services and local governments remain on alert to respond to any ongoing or new incidents linked to the deteriorating weather conditions.