Storm Boelo Closes Major Northern Sites With 80mph Gusts

Wind speeds reached 80 mph in exposed coastal areas of northern Britain as Storm Boelo struck the United Kingdom. The Met Office designated the weather event as the second named storm of the season, following Storm Austen which passed through on Friday.

Amber weather warnings, the second most severe alert level, took effect at 9 p.m. on Saturday. These alerts covered mainland Scotland and northern England down to Carlisle until 9 p.m. on Sunday. A separate amber warning for the north-east of Northern Ireland remained active until 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Forecasters predicted widespread gusts between 60 and 70 mph for the warning zone. Exposed coastal locations were expected to see peak speeds of 80 mph. Yellow wind warnings extended further south into parts of England and North Wales, covering the entirety of Northern Ireland.

Wind measurements in Scotland began climbing before the amber warnings fully engaged. The South Uist Range in the Western Isles recorded maximum gusts of 75 mph. Similar speeds were measured in the Highland and Eilean Siar regions. The Met Office also issued yellow warnings for rain after heavy downpours produced high rainfall totals.

Transport networks faced immediate disruptions. Dublin airport cancelled nine outbound and ten inbound flights as of 4 p.m. on Saturday. Six inbound flights performed go-arounds, with five landing on the second attempt and one diverting to another airport. Network Rail shared images of a trampoline and a shed near railway tracks, prompting calls for residents to secure garden furniture.

Public events in the north were cancelled or closed for safety reasons. Visit Liverpool announced the cancellation of the River of Light event, which features illuminated artwork. In London, the Diwali on the Square celebrations scheduled for Sunday were called off following health and safety recommendations.

Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire closed on Sunday. Fountains Abbey had planned to host its Fountains by Floodlight event. The closures joined a wider pattern of leisure activities shutting down due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

The Environment Agency issued 58 alerts for areas in England where flooding was possible by 8 p.m. on Saturday. Twelve additional warnings indicated that flooding was expected in specific locations. Rainfall levels had been substantial since 8 a.m. on Saturday.

White Barrow in Wiltshire recorded 72 mm of rain during that period. Cwm Dyli in North Wales and Inveruglas on the west shore of Loch Lomond in Scotland both recorded 43 mm. Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly stated that the storm would be felt across the UK, with the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption occurring in the north.

Kelly advised people to stay indoors to avoid flying debris and crashing waves. He urged the public to secure loose items outside and plan ahead for travel. By 7 p.m. on Saturday, the National Grid reported that power had been restored to over 131,000 properties in south-west England after the impact of the earlier Storm Austen.