Boelo brings 80mph gusts to northern Britain

Storm Boelo brought strong winds and rain to the United Kingdom on Saturday, with amber weather warnings in effect for Scotland and northern England.

The Met Office issued the alerts as the second named storm of the season began to impact the country. Forecasters predicted widespread gusts between 60 and 70 miles per hour, with exposed coastal areas potentially reaching 80 miles per hour.

The amber warnings, which represent the second most severe level of alert, were active from 9 pm on Saturday until 9 pm on Sunday. These warnings covered mainland Scotland and northern England down to Carlisle. A separate amber warning covered the north-east of Northern Ireland from 9 pm on Saturday until 10 am on Sunday.

Broader yellow wind warnings extended south into parts of England and North Wales. These yellow alerts covered the entirety of Northern Ireland, surrounding the specific amber zones.

Strong winds were recorded in Scotland before the amber warnings took full effect. Maximum gust speeds of 75 miles per hour were measured at the South Uist Range in the Western Isles. The Highland and Eilean Siar regions also recorded these high speeds.

Storm Boelo followed Storm Austen, which hit parts of the UK on Friday. Gusts of 76 miles per hour were recorded at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly during the earlier system. Other readings included 74 miles per hour at Aberporth in south-west Wales and 71 miles per hour at Culdrose in Cornwall.

Hundreds of homes in south-west England remained without power after Storm Austen. The National Grid reported that power had been restored to over 131,000 properties by 7 pm on Saturday.

Rainfall levels have been substantial since 8 am on Saturday. White Barrow in Wiltshire recorded 72 millimeters of rain. Cwm Dyli in North Wales and Inveruglas on the west shore of Loch Lomond in Scotland both recorded 43 millimeters.

The Environment Agency issued 58 alerts for areas across England where flooding was possible by 8 pm on Saturday. The agency also issued 12 warnings indicating that flooding was expected in specific locations.

Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly stated that the storm would be felt across the UK. He noted that the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption would occur in the north. Kelly advised people to stay indoors to avoid dangers from flying debris and crashing waves.

Kelly urged the public to secure loose items outside and plan ahead for travel. He also recommended that people monitor the latest forecasts.

The storm caused disruption to transport and leisure activities. At Dublin airport, weather issues led airlines to cancel 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 and one diverting to another airport before returning.