Storm Boelo: Second autumn storm triggers amber alerts and event cancellations
Gusts exceeding 80mph have grounded flights and closed major sites across northern Britain as heavy rain continues.
By Alessia Romano ·
Amber weather warnings took effect at 9pm on Saturday, covering mainland Scotland and northern England down to Carlisle until 9pm on Sunday. A separate alert for northeastern Northern Ireland expired at 10am on Sunday. The Met Office predicted peak winds of 60 to 70mph for the region, with exposed coastal areas potentially reaching 80mph.
The storm system followed a rapid sequence of weather events. Storm Austen struck parts of the United Kingdom on Friday, producing a 76mph gust at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly. Additional high winds were recorded at Aberporth in south-west Wales (74mph) and Culdrose in Cornwall (71mph). Hundreds of homes in the southwest lost power during that period, though the National Grid reported restoring electricity to over 131,000 properties by 7pm on Saturday.
Rainfall totals rose sharply from 8am on Saturday. White Barrow in Wiltshire accumulated 72mm of rain, while Cwm Dyli in North Wales and Inveruglas near Loch Lomond recorded 43mm each. By 8pm on Saturday, the Environment Agency had issued 58 flood alerts for parts of England and 12 warnings indicating expected flooding in specific locations.
Transport networks faced immediate disruptions. Dublin airport canceled nine outbound and ten inbound flights by 4pm on Saturday. Six inbound flights performed go-arounds, with one diverting to another airport before landing. Network Rail shared images of loose objects near the tracks, urging residents to secure garden furniture. In the Western Isles, gusts of 75mph were measured at the South Uist Range, Highland, and Eilean Siar.
Major public events were canceled for safety. Visit Liverpool scrapped its River of Light festival, while London canceled Diwali on the Square celebrations scheduled for Sunday. Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire also closed their doors on Sunday. Fountains Abbey had planned to hold its Fountains by Floodlight event but suspended it due to the conditions.
Jason Kelly, the Met Office chief forecaster, advised the public to stay indoors to avoid flying debris and crashing waves. He recommended securing loose outdoor items and checking travel plans. Kelly noted that the strongest winds and most disruption would be concentrated in the north.
The storm marked the second named event of the season. Yellow wind warnings extended south into parts of England and North Wales, while the entire region of Northern Ireland remained under yellow alerts. Forecasters indicated that the weather system would continue to affect the UK through Sunday evening.
