Severe Storm Boelo Hits UK with Gale-Force Winds; Amber Alerts Issued for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Northern England

Strong winds have battered Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England overnight as Storm Boelo swept across the UK.

This marks the second named storm in consecutive days, following Storm Austen which brought strong winds to parts of the UK on Friday. The Met Office reported wind speeds reaching 60-70mph, with an amber warning zone in effect from 9pm on Saturday.

The amber warning encompassed Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and the far north of England, with gusts exceeding 80mph in exposed coastal areas. The island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides recorded 82mph winds around 4am on Sunday, according to forecasters.

The Met Office advised residents in affected areas to secure loose garden items and avoid going outdoors, citing risks from flying debris and dangerous crashing waves.

Jason Kelly, chief forecaster at the Met Office, stated: “Storm Boelo will impact the UK this weekend, with the strongest winds and highest disruption potential in the north. Amber warnings are active across mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and the far north of England, where widespread gusts of 60-70mph are expected, with possible 80mph gusts in exposed coastal locations.”

“Strong winds will also affect other parts of the UK, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in some areas. Heavy rain will add to the hazards, particularly in the north, increasing the risk of further impacts. People should prepare for potential disruptions, especially to travel and power supplies.”

Several events have been cancelled due to the severe weather. Liverpool’s River of Light event, featuring illuminated artworks, was called off for safety reasons, and London’s annual Diwali on the Square celebrations on Sunday were cancelled following advice from health and safety experts.

Edinburgh Castle is closed on Sunday due to high winds and adverse conditions, while the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire has also shut for the day, after its Fountains by Floodlight event on Saturday evening was cancelled.

The railway network experienced disruption on Saturday night, with delays and cancellations expected to continue into Sunday. The line between Preston and Blackpool North in Lancashire was blocked due to flooding from heavy rain, and trees fell on tracks near Dumfries in Scotland.

Network Rail shared images of a trampoline and a shed near the tracks, reminding people living close to rail lines to secure garden objects firmly.

Flights were also affected, with hundreds delayed or cancelled at airports including Dublin, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

The Environment Agency issued 66 flood alerts across England, where flooding was possible by 7am on Sunday, along with 10 warnings indicating expected flooding.

Cumbria police reported numerous calls overnight regarding localized flooding and fallen trees blocking roads, urging drivers to proceed with caution as emergency services cleared obstructions.

The amber warning is part of broader yellow wind warnings covering parts of England further south, north Wales, and all of Northern Ireland.

Hundreds of homes remained without power in south-west England after Storm Austen hit the region on Friday, with 76mph winds recorded at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly, 74mph at Aberporth in south Wales, and 71mph at Culdrose in Cornwall.

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