Storm Boelo to bring damaging winds and heavy rain

Northern areas face the strongest winds, with gusts of 80mph possible

Storm Boelo was named by the Met Office the day after Storm Austen. After a relatively quiet first half of autumn, the weather has changed dramatically with a powerful jet stream propelling deep areas of low pressure towards the UK. However, the impacts of Boelo will be felt most acutely in different parts of the UK to Austen, with northern areas expected to bear the brunt of the latest storm.

By Brian Gaze

Most impactful in the  north

Unlike Austen the worst impacts of Storm Boelo are expected in the north of the UK, particularly Scotland, the far north of England and Northern Ireland. Coastal areas could see wind gusts reaching 80mph, with gusts of around 70mph possible inland. Such conditions could make travel difficult, particularly on exposed roads and bridges, and there is a risk of disruption to rail services and ferry crossings.

Many trees are still in leaf, which increases the potential for them to be uprooted or have branches brought down in strong winds. Combined with saturated ground following recent periods of heavy rain, this could make some trees more vulnerable to falling. Loose objects may also be blown around, while damage to buildings and infrastructure is possible in the most exposed locations.

Boelo wind gusts

It will be windy in southern and central parts of the UK too, but the strongest gusts are expected further north. Although conditions are unlikely to be disruptive in the south it will still feel blustery, particularly in exposed locations and along the coast.

Heavy rain could cause more flooding

As well as stormy winds, heavy rain will push across all parts of the UK on Saturday. The combination of persistent rainfall and strong winds will make for a thoroughly unpleasant day, with travel conditions deteriorating as the weather system moves eastwards.

On Sunday, heavy rain will remain a risk in Scotland, increasing the likelihood of further flooding in places. Elsewhere, conditions should be brighter, with sunny intervals and scattered showers, although it will remain blustery and the showers could be heavy at times.

The highest rainfall totals are expected in western locations, with accumulations potentially reaching around 70mm in parts of Scotland. Even away from the areas receiving the highest totals, periods of heavy rain could lead to difficult driving conditions and localised surface water flooding.

Weather warnings issued

At the time of publication, the Met Office has issued yellow and amber wind warnings for Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October. The amber warning covers Scotland as well as parts of Northern Ireland and northern England. The yellow warning area extends further southwards, reaching Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The amber warning highlights the potential for widespread disruption, particularly where the strongest gusts coincide with heavy rain. Falling trees and branches, difficult driving conditions and interruptions to transport are among the possible impacts.

The Met Office amber warning states, "Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph and gusts to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas. The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday. High winds will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers. Whilst high winds are expected across a wider area with a yellow warning in force, there is a higher confidence in impacts and disruption taking place within this amber warning area. The winds will gradually ease from the west through Sunday."

Warnings can change at short notice as the forecast develops and confidence in the timing and extent of the strongest winds improves. Anyone in an affected area should check the latest Met Office UK weather warnings before travelling and remain alert to updates over the weekend.