Boelo gusts hit northern Britain

The United Kingdom is currently enduring its second named storm of the season, a weather system that has triggered severe warnings across the northern regions. The Met Office designated the event as Storm Boelo, which follows Storm Austen from earlier in the week. Alert levels have risen as the system moves through the country, affecting transport and daily routines from Saturday evening into Sunday.

Amber warnings, the second highest level of alert, took effect at 9 pm on Saturday. These warnings covered mainland Scotland and the far north of England, extending south to Carlisle. A separate amber alert covered the north-east of Northern Ireland, lasting until 10 am on Sunday. Surrounding these zones, yellow wind warnings extended into parts of England and North Wales. Forecasters predicted widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph, with speeds potentially reaching 80 mph at exposed coastal spots.

Wind speeds rose rapidly before the formal alerts began. Sensors in the Western Isles recorded maximum gusts of 75 mph at the South Uist Range. Similar speeds were measured in the Highland and Eilean Siar regions. The weather system also brought heavy rain, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for downpours. White Barrow in Wiltshire recorded 72 mm of rain since 8 am on Saturday. Cwm Dyli in North Wales and Inveruglas near Loch Lomond in Scotland both recorded 43 mm.

The Environment Agency issued 58 alerts for areas in England where flooding was possible by 8 pm on Saturday. Twelve additional warnings indicated that flooding was expected in specific locations. These conditions followed the impact of Storm Austen on Friday, which produced gusts of 76 mph at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly. Other readings included 74 mph at Aberporth in south-west Wales and 71 mph at Culdrose in Cornwall. The National Grid reported that power was restored to over 131,000 properties by 7 pm on Saturday, although hundreds of homes in the south-west remained without electricity.

Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly noted that the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption would be felt in the north. He advised the public to stay indoors to avoid flying debris and crashing waves. Kelly urged residents to secure loose items outside and to plan ahead for travel. He also recommended monitoring the latest forecasts to prepare for changing conditions.

Travel disruption has already affected air and rail services. At Dublin airport, airlines cancelled nine outbound and ten inbound flights as of 4 pm on Saturday. Six inbound flights performed go-arounds, with five landing on the second attempt. One flight diverted to another airport before returning. Network Rail shared images of a trampoline and a shed near the tracks, prompting a call for residents to secure garden furniture firmly.

Public events were cancelled in response to the weather. Visit Liverpool announced that the River of Light event, featuring illuminated artwork, was cancelled for safety reasons. In London, the Diwali on the Square celebrations scheduled for Sunday were called off after independent health and safety experts made recommendations. Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire also closed on Sunday. Fountains Abbey had planned to host its Fountains by Floodlight event.