The storm has prompted amber and yellow weather warnings across England and Wales, while coastal communities face risks from large waves and flying debris. School closures have left families facing changes to their morning routines, with authorities advising parents to check local updates before travelling.
Dozens of Schools Close as Storm Austen Hits Cornwall and the Channel Islands
According to The Sun, 87 schools and educational settings in Cornwall have been affected by closures or changes to opening times. Its updated report lists 23 establishments as closed, while others are opening later or allowing pupils additional time to register.
Schools listed as closed include Beacon Academy, Camborne Nursery School, Camborne Science and International Academy, Mawnan School, Nine Maidens AP Academy and St Levan Primary School.
Other establishments have introduced delayed starts. Archbishop Benson School and Bishop Bronescombe School are scheduled to open at 10.30am, while Connor Downs Academy, Pool Academy and Richard Lander School have announced 11am openings.
Some schools are operating their usual hours but have extended registration periods. Burraton CP School and Cubert School, for example, are allowing registration until 10am. Cornwall Council has urged parents and carers to consult school communications before setting off, as arrangements may change depending on local conditions.
The disruption extends beyond mainland Britain. Government schools and colleges in Jersey have closed for the day, while schools in Guernsey have also been instructed to shut because of dangerous conditions during the morning journey. Jersey Met has issued a red wind warning for the Channel Islands, where strong gusts have created further difficulties for transport services.
Power Cuts and Transport Disruption Spread As Another Storm Approaches
According to the BBC, nearly 7,000 homes in Cornwall and Devon were without electricity as Storm Austen moved across the country. Fallen trees, flooding and strong winds have also affected roads and railway services.
The Met Office issued an amber wind warning covering Cornwall and parts of Devon until 10am on Friday. Gusts of 60 to 70mph were expected widely, potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal locations.
Forecasters warned that large waves could throw beach material onto seafronts and coastal roads, posing a danger to life. Damage to buildings, interrupted mobile phone coverage and further electricity failures were also identified as possible consequences.
Great Western Railway introduced speed restrictions on routes through Devon and Cornwall, while flights to and from Exeter Airport were cancelled. According to the Met Office, Storm Boelo is expected to bring further strong winds and heavy rain over the weekend, particularly across Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England. Yellow wind warnings have been issued for the affected regions, with gusts potentially reaching 80mph in exposed locations.
The succession of storms means unsettled weather will continue beyond Friday. For families affected by school closures, Cornwall Council’s advice remains to check directly with individual schools for the latest arrangements before travelling.
