31,000 homes left without power as Storm Boelo approaches northern UK

Storm Boelo is set to bring sustained winds exceeding 80 mph to northern Britain this weekend. The second named storm of the season will affect Scotland and the northern parts of England, bringing heavy rain and a risk to infrastructure.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the region from 9 p.m. on Saturday to 9 p.m. on Sunday. This is the second highest level of alert. A separate amber warning covers the north-east of Northern Ireland until 10 a.m. on Sunday. The forecaster advised the public to remain indoors due to hazards from flying debris and crashing waves.

Travel networks are preparing for major delays. TransPennine Express has advised passengers to make only essential journeys over the weekend. Avanti West Coast has urged travelers to avoid north of Preston on Sunday. Ferries are also expected to face widespread disruption.

The National Grid reports that 31,000 homes in the south-west of England lost power on Friday during the passage of Storm Austen. More than 3,700 homes remained without electricity on Saturday morning. The Met Office warned that similar outages could occur in the northern amber zones as Boelo arrives.

Meteorologist Alex Burkill stated that the primary risk comes from the wind. He noted that gusts will strengthen through the day and into the evening across Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland. Temperatures will sit slightly above the seasonal average, but the combination of wind and rain will make conditions feel unpleasant.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the frequency of extreme weather at a summit on Friday. He warned the UK could face a winter of greater flooding. He acknowledged that unexpected events are becoming more common, noting that the country recently experienced its hottest summer on record with five heatwaves.

Boelo is expected to peak on Saturday evening. The wet weather should clear overnight for many areas, though rain will persist in Scotland and Northern Ireland.