Storm Boelo is forecast to bring gusts exceeding 80mph — around 129km/h — and heavy rain to northern parts of the UK, according to The Guardian. Amber weather warnings are due to take effect on Saturday evening, 24 October, with rail operators already urging passengers to limit their journeys.
The most difficult conditions are expected across parts of Scotland, northern England and north-eastern Northern Ireland. The newspaper reports that the Met Office, the UK’s national weather service, has warned of a danger to life from flying debris and large waves, and advised people to limit time outdoors. Transport disruption and power cuts are possible consequences of the forecast weather, rather than confirmed effects of Storm Boelo.
Where and when do the warnings apply?
According to The Guardian, an amber warning covering parts of Scotland and northern England, extending as far south as Carlisle, runs from 9pm on Saturday 24 October until 9pm on Sunday 25 October. A second amber warning covers north-eastern Northern Ireland from 9pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday.
The newspaper also reports a yellow warning for rain and wind across northern parts of the UK, running from midday on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. A separate heavy rain warning covers Wales and parts of western and southern England between 11am and 11pm on Saturday. These timings and areas reflect the warnings described in the report published on 24 October.
Rail operators advise against some journeys
Passengers planning to travel north over the weekend face advice to reconsider their plans. The Guardian reports that TransPennine Express is urging people to make only essential rail journeys on Saturday and Sunday. Avanti West Coast is strongly advising against travel north of Preston on Sunday.
Strong winds could also disrupt ferry services, while power cuts are possible in areas covered by the amber warnings. These are warnings of potential disruption, not confirmation that Boelo has already caused cancellations or electricity outages.
The newspaper describes Boelo as the second named storm of the season, following Storm Austen, which caused power cuts in south-west England. According to National Grid map data cited by the newspaper, more than 3,700 households in that region remained without electricity on Saturday morning. That figure relates to the aftermath of Austen, not Boelo.
