Storm Boelo brings 80mph gusts and travel disruption to northern Britain

Gusts reaching 80 miles per hour were forecast for exposed coastal areas in northern Britain as Storm Boelo intensified, marking the second major weather event of the season. The Met Office issued amber warnings, the second most severe level of alert, for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England. These zones were expected to experience widespread wind speeds between 60 and 70 mph, with the strongest impacts anticipated from Saturday evening through Sunday.

The storm followed closely on the heels of Storm Austen, which impacted the country the previous day. That earlier system produced 76 mph gusts at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly, along with strong winds in Wales and Cornwall. While hundreds of homes in south-west England lost power during the first storm, the National Grid reported that electricity was restored to over 131,000 properties by 7 pm on Saturday. Boelo’s arrival extended the period of severe weather, prompting authorities to brace for further disruption in the north.

Significant rainfall accompanied the high winds, with White Barrow in Wiltshire recording 72 millimeters of precipitation since 8 am on Saturday. The Environment Agency issued 58 alerts for possible flooding in various parts of England by 8 pm on Saturday, alongside 12 warnings for expected flooding in specific locations. Other heavy rainfall totals were recorded in North Wales and Scotland, where Cwm Dyli and Inveruglas both measured 43 millimeters of rain.

Transport networks across the region faced immediate strain. Dublin airport canceled nine outbound and ten inbound flights by 4 pm on Saturday due to weather conditions. Additionally, six inbound flights performed go-arounds, with five landing on a second attempt and one diverting to another airport before returning. Network Rail highlighted the risk of loose objects on tracks after sharing images of a trampoline and a shed near the lines, urging residents to secure garden furniture firmly.

Chief forecaster Jason Kelly advised the public to stay indoors to avoid flying debris and crashing waves. He emphasized the importance of securing loose items and planning ahead for travel. Kelly noted that while the storm would be felt nationwide, the greatest potential for disruption remained in the north.

The adverse weather forced the cancellation of several major public events. Visit Liverpool called off its River of Light event, a display of illuminated artwork, for safety reasons. In London, the annual Diwali on the Square celebrations scheduled for Sunday were canceled following recommendations 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.

Amber warnings remained active in mainland Scotland and northern England down to Carlisle until 9 pm on Sunday. A separate warning covered the north-east of Northern Ireland until 10 am on Sunday. Broader yellow warnings extended south into parts of England and North Wales, covering the entirety of Northern Ireland. The Met Office indicated that the worst of the winds would peak from Saturday night onward, with conditions expected to improve gradually through the day.