Storm Boelo hits the UK with 80mph winds and travel cancellations
Amber warnings cover the north as the second storm of the season brings high gusts, heavy rain, and widespread disruption to flights and public events.
By Harper Laurent ·
Storm Boelo has arrived across the United Kingdom, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that have disrupted travel and daily life. The weather system marks the second named storm of the current season, following the impact of Storm Austen earlier in the week.
The season began with Storm Austen, which brought gusts of 76mph to St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly on Friday. Other high readings included 74mph in south-west Wales and 71mph in Cornwall. That earlier storm left hundreds of homes in south-west England without power, although the National Grid reported restoring electricity to over 131,000 properties by 7pm on Saturday.
As Storm Boelo moved in, maximum gust speeds of 75mph were already recorded in the Western Isles, Highland, and Eilean Siar regions of Scotland. Rainfall has been substantial, with White Barrow in Wiltshire recording 72mm since 8am on Saturday. Significant totals of 43mm were also measured in North Wales and at Inveruglas on the west shore of Loch Lomond.
Amber weather warnings, the second most severe level of alert, were active from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday across mainland Scotland and northern England down to Carlisle. A separate amber warning covered the north-east of Northern Ireland from 9pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday. These zones are surrounded by broader yellow wind warnings that extend into parts of England and North Wales.
Forecasters expect widespread gusts between 60 and 70mph, with exposed coastal locations potentially reaching 80mph. The Environment Agency issued 58 alerts for possible flooding across England by 8pm on Saturday, along with 12 warnings for expected flooding in specific locations. Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly advised people to stay indoors to avoid flying debris and crashing waves, and to secure loose outdoor items.
The weather has already caused significant transport chaos. 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 the second attempt and one diverting to another airport before returning. Network Rail shared images of a trampoline and a shed near the tracks, prompting calls for residents to secure garden furniture.
Several public events were cancelled for safety reasons. The River of Light event in Liverpool, which features illuminated artwork, was called off. In London, the annual Diwali on the Square celebrations scheduled for Sunday were cancelled following recommendations from health and safety experts. Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire also closed, with the latter cancelling its planned Fountains by Floodlight event.
