Second storm of the season brings 80mph winds to northern Britain

Storm Boelo has reached the United Kingdom, bringing high winds and heavy rain to the northern regions.

Amber weather warnings took effect at 9 p.m. on Saturday. These alerts cover mainland Scotland and parts of northern England down to Carlisle until 9 p.m. on Sunday. A separate amber warning covers the north-east of Northern Ireland until 10 a.m. on Sunday. Yellow wind warnings extend further south into parts of England and North Wales.

The Met Office expects widespread gusts between 60 and 70 mph. Exposed coastal areas may see speeds reach 80 mph. Before the amber warnings fully engaged, strong winds were already recorded in Scotland. Maximum gusts of 75 mph were measured in the South Uist Range, the Highlands, and the Western Isles.

Storm Boelo is the second named storm of the season. It follows Storm Austen, which hit the UK on Friday. Gusts of 76 mph were recorded at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly during the earlier system. Other readings included 74 mph at Aberporth in Wales and 71 mph at Culdrose in Cornwall. Hundreds of homes in south-west England lost power from that storm. The National Grid reported that power was restored to more than 131,000 properties by 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Rainfall has been heavy since 8 a.m. on Saturday. White Barrow in Wiltshire recorded 72 mm of rain. Cwm Dyli in North Wales and Inveruglas in Scotland both recorded 43 mm. The Environment Agency issued 58 alerts for possible flooding in England by 8 p.m. on Saturday. It also issued 12 warnings for expected flooding in specific locations.

Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said the storm would be felt across the UK. He noted that the strongest winds and greatest disruption would occur in the north. Kelly advised people to stay indoors to avoid flying debris and crashing waves. He urged the public to secure loose outdoor items and plan ahead for travel.

Transport and leisure activities have already been affected. Dublin airport cancelled nine outbound and ten inbound flights as of 4 p.m. on Saturday. Six inbound flights performed go-arounds. Five landed on the second attempt, and one diverted to another airport before returning. Network Rail shared images of a trampoline and a shed near the tracks. It called on residents to secure garden furniture.

Several public events were cancelled. Visit Liverpool called off the River of Light event for safety reasons. The annual Diwali on the Square celebrations in London scheduled for Sunday were also cancelled. Health and safety experts recommended the closure. Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire closed on Sunday. The estate had planned to host its Fountains by Floodlight event.