Storm Austen brings travel disruption and leaves homes without power

Thousands of homes have been left without power as Storm Austen hit Wales.

National Grid previously reported more than 3,000 homes were without power between Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, and Usk, Monmouthshire, but many have since been reconnected.

Austen, the first named storm of the autumn, has brought strong winds - 74mph (119km/h) was recorded at 08:00 BST at Aberporth, Ceredigion.

A yellow warning for wind was in place until 21:00 in Wales, with the Met Office warning there could be power cuts, large waves on the coast and travel delays. A separate warning ended at 17:00.

In Gwynedd, the Eryri marathon was cancelled after an assessment of the course deemed it unsafe as a result of wind, floods and tree "debris".

In north Wales, SP Energy reported outages at homes in Beddgelert, Glyn Ceiriog, Gwespyr, Flint and Cilcain.

Previous outages at properties in Pwllheli, Bontnewydd, Llanidloes, Bodelwyddan, Kinmel Bay and Prestatyn were resolved by Friday afternoon, it said.

Across Wales, properties have been affected in both the north and the south.

The Met Office urged people to be prepared for power cuts by ensuring they have a torch and batteries and a power pack for their mobile phone.

Transport for Wales (TfW) reported cancellations across the country over the weekend due to the weather.

Network Rail urged passengers to check their travel plans before setting out.

TfW customer operations chief, James Gough, said amended timetables would be in place on a number of routes.

Meanwhile, the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) has urged anyone visiting the coast in south Wales on Friday "to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks", with gusts of wind of about 50 to 60mph likely.

Some coastal or exposed areas could see gusts of about 70mph, the Met Office warned.

Ross Macleod, RNLI water safety manager, said: "If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water, as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea."

He advised anyone in trouble in the water to "lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing, before then calling for help or swimming to safety".

If anyone sees someone in danger, throw something buoyant into the water and call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard, he added.