Eastbourne seafront to close as Storm Austen approaches

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 21:02 · Archive

Eastbourne Borough Council is closing the seafront bandstand and promenade sections on Friday due to Storm Austen.

Eastbourne Borough Council is closing the seafront bandstand and sections of the promenade on Friday 23 October as Storm Austen approaches the Sussex coast. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the area, with this being the first named storm of the 2026/27 autumn and winter season.

The Argus reports that the council expects gusts of up to 70 mph, whilst the Sussex Express indicates the Met Office is forecasting winds of between 50 and 60 mph. High winds and heavy rain are expected to make the seafront potentially hazardous. Two high tides, at 9.46 am and 10.05 pm, are forecast to generate large waves that could break over pedestrian areas along the seafront. The council also plans to remove sections of hoarding that may be vulnerable in the stormy conditions.

A council spokesperson said the safety of residents, visitors and staff must come first, and urged everyone to take weather warnings seriously and avoid putting themselves at unnecessary risk. The bandstand will be reopened as soon as conditions permit.

How it is being reported

• Eastbourne bandstand to be closed off ahead of Storm Austen as 70mph wind gusts predictedWith the Met Office forecasting winds of between 50 and 60mph on Friday (23 October)Sussex Express · 20 Oct, 20:49
• Seafront bandstand and sections of promenade to shut due to stormEastbourne Borough Council has announced the bandstand will shut on Friday October 23, with Storm Austen set to bring gusts of up to 70 mph to the Sussex coast.The Argus · 20 Oct, 17:01

In this story: Eastbourne Borough Council · Met Office · Eastbourne · Sussex

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