Storm Austen causes damage and disruption in the Netherlands

◆2 sources

The remnants of storm Austen caused damage and disruption, particularly in the south of the Netherlands. In Maastricht, a fallen tree damaged several parked cars. Fallen trees also caused incidents in Amsterdam, Nuth, Wittem and Breda. A person was injured in Nuth, while a woman in Wittem was taken to hospital after reportedly being hit while on a moped. In Amsterdam, a tree fell onto a moving car and trapped its driver, who was later reported unharmed.

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Disasters

Storm Austen disrupts France, England and the Low Countries

5 sources

Storm Austen made landfall in Brittany with wind speeds of up to 160 km/h, causing power cuts for more than 161,000 households in French coastal regions. Ferry services between France and England were cancelled, while some rail services in Normandy were suspended and other routes had speed restrictions. France issued an orange warning for 23 northwestern departments and deployed hundreds of firefighters for incidents including fallen trees. In southwest England, gusts reached up to 130 km/h and more than 13,500 addresses in Cornwall lost power, including 4,600 vulnerable customers according to a single report. An orange warning was in force for Cornwall and Devon. Austen later moved into the Netherlands, where the KNMI issued a yellow warning for several southern and eastern provinces; Belgium issued orange for the west and yellow elsewhere.

Disasters

Storm Austen forecast for the Netherlands

13 sources

The Netherlands was expected to face unsettled autumn weather from Friday, with rain and strengthening winds. Storm Austen was forecast to move across the country from late afternoon or evening, with the strongest gusts expected along the southwest coast and in southern provinces; some forecasts put gusts at up to 100 or 105 km/h. Heavy rain and strong winds were also expected overnight and at times through Sunday, particularly near the Wadden region and in the north. It remained uncertain whether Austen would meet the criteria for an official storm, as this depended on its exact track. Forecasts indicated that winds could briefly reach force 9 on the coast. Saturday was expected to bring a temporary easing with some sunshine before further rain and wind, while Sunday was forecast to remain windy with showers, especially in the north.

Disasters

Approach of Storm Austen in North Holland

2 sources

North Holland is expected to have a wet and windy period as Storm Austen approaches. The storm is forecast to pass over Belgium on Friday, leaving the province outside the area of strongest winds, although stormy winds may develop in the evening. Earlier forecasts had put possible winds at force 8 or 9, with gusts of 80 to 90 km/h; a later report said gusts above 100 km/h are not ruled out. Rainfall of 10 to 15 mm had also been forecast in most places.

Disasters

Closure of the Breda fair during Storm Austen

2 sources

Fair operators closed the fair at Chasséveld in Breda immediately on Friday afternoon for the rest of the day because strong winds from Storm Austen made it unsafe to remain open. The decision was made shortly before 5 p.m. It is not yet clear whether the fair will reopen on Saturday and Sunday, its final day. A yellow weather warning is in force for Brabant.