Storm Boelo threatens 31,000 more homes with power failure as gusts top 80mph
Rail operators have halted northern services while the Met Office warns of life-threatening debris from the second named storm of the year.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Storm Boelo will deliver gusts exceeding 80mph to northern Britain this weekend, posing a direct risk to power grids and rail networks.
The UK experienced its first named storm of the season, Austen, on Friday when it struck the south-west of England. That system is now moving eastward and clearing. Boelo follows immediately, bringing heavy showers and strong winds to the north. The Met Office issued an amber warning for Scotland and the north of England down to Carlisle. That alert runs from 9pm on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday. A separate amber warning covers the north-east of Northern Ireland from 9pm Saturday to 10am Sunday. A yellow warning for wet and windy conditions covers the entire north from midday Saturday to 9pm Sunday.
The Met Office identified flying debris and crashing waves as primary dangers. Forecaster Alex Burkill stated that winds will strengthen through the day and peak in the evening. He noted that the combination of wind and rain will make conditions feel very unpleasant. Burkill observed that this weather presents a stark contrast to the season so far, which included the UK's hottest summer on record. That summer featured five heatwaves and a record 40 days above 30C. Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed these conditions at a wildfire summit on Friday. He warned that the country faces a winter of greater flooding. He said unexpected events are becoming more common in the current climate.
TransPennine Express has advised against all but essential journeys on Saturday and Sunday. Avanti West Coast has strongly urged passengers not to travel north of Preston on Sunday. Ferries also face widespread disruption. The Met Office cautioned that the power cuts seen in the south-west could repeat in the amber warning areas. On Friday, 31,000 homes in the south-west lost electricity. By Saturday morning, more than 3,700 homes remained without power. Boelo's winds are expected to peak from Saturday evening. Wet weather should clear overnight in many areas, though rain will continue in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Source: The Guardian
