Storm Boelo hits northern UK with 80 mph gusts and travel disruptions

The United Kingdom faced its second named storm of the season as Storm Boelo delivered strong winds and heavy rain to the northern regions on Saturday.

Amber weather warnings took effect at 9pm on Saturday for mainland Scotland and northern England, extending down to Carlisle. A separate alert covered the northeast of Northern Ireland from 9pm Saturday until 10am Sunday. These zones are surrounded by yellow warnings that reach into parts of England and North Wales.

The Met Office forecast widespread gusts between 60 and 70 mph, with exposed coastal areas potentially reaching 80 mph. The agency identified the northern areas as the primary zone for disruption. Before the peak winds arrived, measurements at the South Uist Range in the Western Isles recorded maximum gusts of 75 mph. Similar readings were observed in the Highland and Eilean Siar regions.

Rainfall accumulation has been substantial since 8am on Saturday. White Barrow in Wiltshire recorded 72 mm of rain, while Cwm Dyli in North Wales and Inveruglas near Loch Lomond both logged 43 mm. The Environment Agency issued 58 alerts for possible flooding across England and 12 warnings for expected flooding in specific locations by 8pm on Saturday.

Storm Boelo follows Storm Austen, which impacted parts of 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 notable readings included 74 mph at Aberporth in southwest Wales and 71 mph at Culdrose in Cornwall. Hundreds of homes in southwest England lost power after Storm Austen, though the National Grid reported that over 131,000 properties had power restored by 7pm on Saturday.

Transport networks experienced significant interruptions. At Dublin airport, airlines cancelled nine outbound and ten inbound flights as of 4pm on Saturday. Six inbound flights performed go-arounds, with five landing on a second attempt and one diverting to another airport before returning. Network Rail shared images of loose debris, including a trampoline and a shed, near the tracks, prompting advice for residents to secure outdoor items.

Major public events and attractions closed to ensure safety. Visit Liverpool cancelled the River of Light event, which features illuminated artwork, citing safety reasons. In London, the Diwali on the Square celebrations scheduled for Sunday were called off following advice from health and safety experts. Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire also closed on Sunday, with the latter cancelling its planned floodlight event.

Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly stated that the storm would be felt across the UK, with the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption occurring in the north. He advised the public to stay indoors to avoid dangers from flying debris and crashing waves. Kelly urged residents to secure loose items outside, plan ahead for travel, and monitor the latest forecasts.

The storm system represents the second named event of the current season. Forecasters expect the worst of the winds to peak from Saturday night onward. The warning zones encompass Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and the far north of England, with broader yellow alerts extending south into parts of England and North Wales.