Storm Boelo Targets Northern UK With 80mph Gusts and Travel Warnings
Met Office issues amber warnings for Scotland and northern England as a second named storm approaches the region.
By Chinedu Schneider ·
Storm Boelo is moving toward the northern United Kingdom with winds that could exceed 80 miles per hour. The system arrives just days after Storm Austen impacted the southwest of England.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for Scotland and the north of England down to Carlisle. This alert remains in effect from 9pm on Saturday until the same time on Sunday. A separate amber warning covers the northeast of Northern Ireland from 9pm Saturday until 10am Sunday. The agency cites dangers from flying debris and crashing waves. A large yellow warning for wet and windy conditions covers the entire north of the UK from midday Saturday to 9pm Sunday.
Heavy rain is also expected in specific regions. A warning for heavy rain applies to Wales and parts of western and southern England from 11am to 11pm on Saturday. Travelers should anticipate widespread disruption on ferries and trains. 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.
The Met Office cautions that power cuts seen in the southwest could repeat in the northern amber areas. At one point on Friday, 31,000 homes in the southwest were without electricity. More than 3,700 homes were still affected on Saturday morning according to the National Grid map. Meteorologist Alex Burkill identified the winds as the primary concern. He said the gusts would strengthen towards the evening across Northern Ireland, northern England, and Scotland.
Temperatures will remain slightly above the seasonal average. However, the combination of wind and rain will make conditions feel unpleasant. The wet weather is forecast to clear overnight in many areas. More rain will continue to affect Scotland and Northern Ireland. This storm follows a year of extreme weather events. The UK experienced its hottest summer on record this year, which included five heatwaves and a record 40 days above 30C.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the record wildfires at a summit on Friday. He warned that the UK could face a winter of greater flooding. Burnham denied that the government was playing catch-up on civil preparedness. He stated that unexpected events seem to be becoming more common. The storm is set to peak from Saturday evening onward.
Source: The Guardian
