Storm Boelo brings 80mph gusts and travel delays to northern Britain

Travelers and residents in northern Britain faced canceled flights, closed landmarks, and heavy rain as Storm Boelo struck on Saturday. The weather system brought gusts of up to 80mph to exposed coastal areas, causing immediate disruption to daily routines and leisure activities across the region.

The Met Office issued amber warnings for Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and the far north of England. These alerts, representing the second most severe level, remained active from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. A separate warning covered the north-east of Northern Ireland from 9pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday. Yellow warnings extended south into parts of England and North Wales.

Storm Boelo follows Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, which hit the UK on Friday. During that earlier system, winds reached 76mph at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly. Hundreds of homes in south-west England lost power, though the National Grid restored electricity to more than 131,000 properties by 7pm on Saturday.

Rainfall totals rose sharply after 8am on Saturday. White Barrow in Wiltshire recorded 72mm of rain, while Cwm Dyli in North Wales and Inveruglas in Scotland each measured 43mm. The Environment Agency issued 58 flooding alerts for areas in England by 8pm on Saturday, alongside 12 warnings where flooding was expected in specific locations.

Transport operators reported widespread issues. Dublin airport canceled nine outbound and ten inbound flights as of 4pm on Saturday. Six inbound flights performed go-arounds, with five landing on the second attempt and one diverting before returning. Network Rail shared images of a trampoline and a shed near the tracks, urging residents to secure loose garden items.

Major public events were called off for safety. Visit Liverpool canceled the River of Light event, featuring illuminated artwork. The Diwali on the Square celebrations in London were also canceled following advice from health and safety experts. Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire closed on Sunday, halting planned evening events.

Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly advised the public to stay indoors to avoid flying debris and crashing waves. He urged people to secure loose items outside and plan ahead for travel. The storm is expected to continue affecting the region until the warnings expire on Sunday evening.