Oxford attractions close as Storm Austen brings high winds

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 11:34 · Archive

University Parks and Blenheim Palace's Halloween event close on 23 October as Storm Austen brings strong winds and heavy rain to Oxfordshire.

Storm Austen has forced the closure of two major Oxford attractions on 23 October due to strong winds and adverse weather. The University of Oxford closed University Parks for the day, while Blenheim Palace cancelled its Halloween event scheduled for the evening. Both closures followed a Met Office yellow weather warning for Oxfordshire, in force between 10am and 9pm, predicting strong winds and the possibility of disruption.

The Met Office forecast gales with gusts of 45mph to 55mph during Friday daytime in inland parts of the warning area. Forecasters warned that the combination of strong winds, locally heavy rain and many trees still in full leaf could result in power cuts and travel disruption. The warning covered much of southern England, Wales and southern Scotland, with an amber warning issued for Cornwall. High winds across the South West had already left thousands of homes without power.

Blenheim Palace said it would contact ticket holders for the cancelled Halloween event, offering options to transfer tickets to another date or claim refunds. The Halloween experience, which began on 22 October and is scheduled to run until 1 November, features a specially created trail around the palace grounds with light displays and immersive entertainment. A separate storm named Boelo is forecast to bring strong winds to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England on 24 October.

Oxford attractions close as Storm Austen brings high winds — Image: Oxfordshire Guardian

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How it is being reported

Halloween event at Blenheim Palace cancelled as Storm Austen hitsBlenheim Palace cancels Halloween event on October 23 as Storm Austen brings strong winds, heavy rain and Met Office yellow weather warning to OxfordshireOxfordshire Guardian · 23 Oct, 11:12
Halloween event at Blenheim Palace cancelled as Storm Austen hitsBlenheim Palace cancels Halloween event on October 23 as Storm Austen brings strong winds, heavy rain and Met Office yellow weather warning to OxfordshireOxford Mail · 23 Oct, 11:12
Oxford University closes park as Storm Austen brings high windsUniversity Parks in Oxford closes on October 23 as Storm Austen brings strong winds, with a Met Office yellow warning for Oxfordshire and travel disruption.Oxfordshire Guardian · 23 Oct, 10:54
Oxford University closes park as Storm Austen brings high windsUniversity Parks in Oxford closes on October 23 as Storm Austen brings strong winds, with a Met Office yellow warning for Oxfordshire and travel disruption.Oxford Mail · 23 Oct, 10:54

In this story: Storm Austen · University of Oxford · Blenheim Palace · Met Office · Oxfordshire · Cornwall

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