Britainupdated 1h ago2 min read
Storm Boelo Triggers Amber Warnings Across Scotland, Northern Ireland, And Northern England With 80mph Gusts
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Amber warnings in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England with gusts up to 80 mph. Rail services cancelled and major roads warned as Storm Boelo nears peak winds.
80mph gusts, travel disruption
Storm Boelo triggered amber weather warnings across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, with wind gusts up to 80mph forecast in the worst-hit areas. The Met Office said strong winds and heavy showers would intensify through Saturday night, with widespread gusts expected. The BBC reported that the amber warning for Scotland and England would stay in place until 21:00 on Sunday, increasing the risk of travel disruption and potential risk to life.
National Grid said on Saturday that more than 124,000 properties had been restored with power supplies since the beginning of the storm, while hundreds were still without power on Saturday evening. In Scotland, train and ferry services were cancelled and police warned against unnecessary road journeys as flood warnings and alerts were in place across the country.
Flood warnings in Greater Manchester
The Environment Agency issued three flood warnings in Greater Manchester after hours of heavy rain as Storm Boelo hit the UK. The first warning was in Astley Bridge, Bolton, around Old Road, Blackburn Road, Seymour Road, Greenwood Vale and Viola Street in Sharples, and the second warning was in Lostock, Bolton, around Sudbury Drive and parts of Rumworth Road and Regent Road. A third warning was placed for Millingford Brook at Ashton in Makerfield, around Wigan Road and Princess Road.
The Manchester Evening News said Waterloo Road in Oldham was closed due to floodwater. The Environment Agency had issued 58 alerts for spots across England where flooding is possible by 8pm on Saturday, as well as 12 warnings stating that flooding is expected.
Power, debris, and safety
The Met Office warned that strong winds could cause power cuts, flying debris, damage to buildings and trees, travel disruption and danger to life from large waves. The Met Office also cautioned that being outside in high winds could make people "more vulnerable to injury" and told people: "Stay indoors as much as possible." The BBC said dozens of flood warnings and alerts were in place across the country and flooding also closed roads including the A78 Inverkip Road in Greenock and the A77 at Lendalfoot in Ayrshire.
The BBC reported that the strongest winds affected western Scotland first and were expected to spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday. The Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: "People should prepare for the potential for disruption, particularly to travel and power supplies."