Scotland to be hit with 80mph wind gusts as Storm Boelo alert upgraded to amber

Scotland to be hit with 80mph wind gusts as Storm Boelo alert upgraded to amber Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Scotland will be hit with strong winds over the weekend Published 22 October 2026 Updated 2 hours ago An amber alert has been issued for much of Scotland over the weekend, with Storm Boelo expected to bring strong winds, flying debris and potential power cuts. It is the second of two storms due to hit Scotland within days, with Storm Austen's wet and windy conditions already causing some disruption to transport. The latest Met Office warnings include a yellow warning for rain , external in central and eastern areas from 07:00 on Friday until midnight. Meanwhile the wind alert for Storm Boelo has been upgraded from yellow to amber for the whole mainland and the Western Isles, lasting from 21:00 on Saturday until 21:00 on Sunday. Orkney remains under the yellow alert. New storm names for 2026-2027 released by Met Office Published 1 September Two storms in two days as Austen and Boelo target UK Published 1 day ago The worst effects of Storm Austen have so far been seen across England and Wales with thousands losing power . However forecasters say some areas of Scotland could experience 60-80mm (2.4-3.1in) of rain on Friday with flooding likely. Then on Saturday, Storm Boelo will bring very strong westerly winds with widespread gusts of 60-70mph (96.6-112.7km/h), and gusts up to 80mph (128.7km/h) in exposed coastal areas. The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday. This will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers. Forecasters warned that flying debris could cause injuries and danger to life, with a good chance of power cuts and an impact on phone coverage. The Met Office also warned of damage to trees and buildings, bridge closures and transport disruption. Winds will gradually ease from the west through Sunday. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A yellow weather warning runs in parts of Scotland on Friday Network Rail Scotland said that trains on Friday will be slowed down to keep people safe in the areas expected to see the heaviest rain. Speed restrictions will be in place on parts of the West Coast Main Line and East Coast Main Line, as well as routes across southern and eastern Scotland. It said some journeys would take longer as a result, but that the restrictions meant trains could continue running through areas where the weather is at its worst. Safety priority Speed restrictions for trains are expected to return in some areas as the second storm moves across the country over the weekend. Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, said: "We can't control the weather, but we can make sure we're as ready as possible for whatever it brings. "We know any disruption from these storms will be frustrating, particularly as it's the weekend, but we'll do everything we can to keep people moving wherever it's safe to do so." Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "Safety is always our top priority and with weather warnings in place as Storm Austen and Storm Boelo bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Scotland this weekend, there is an increased risk of flooding and disruption on the railway." He advised customers to check services before they travel. Related topics Scotland Met Office Wind Severe weather More on this story Amber warning issued as Storm Austen threatens UK with strong winds and heavy rain Published 2 days ago Weather warning in place ahead of Storm Boelo Published 2 hours ago