A section of Brighton's West Pier collapsed into the sea during Storm Austen. The historic structure, which has stood for over a century, was severely damaged by powerful waves. The collapse was captured on video and widely shared online.
Storm Austen brought winds of up to 80 mph to parts of the UK, with gusts reaching 160 km/h in France. The storm caused significant damage along the coast, including uprooted trees and damaged boats. In Brighton, the West Pier was hit by large waves that battered its already weakened structure.
The West Pier, a Grade II listed building, had previously suffered damage from previous storms. This latest incident marks another blow to the historic site. Local authorities have expressed concern over the safety of the area. The Met Office issued “danger to life” warnings as the storm swept across the UK.
The storm also affected other parts of the country, with Chester Zoo closing temporarily to ensure visitor safety. The damage caused by Storm Austen highlights the increasing impact of severe weather events on coastal landmarks.
