Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

Environment
25 Oct 2026 • 1:38 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

More than 1,500 flights have been delayed and train services disrupted after Storm Boelo hit the UK with winds of up to 80mph, triggering “danger to life” weather warnings.

Flights to and from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, have been delayed by an average of two hours amid severe weather conditions.

The Met Office issued amber weather warnings for far north of England, Scotland and the north-east of Northern Ireland on Saturday night.

It said gusts of 60-70mph were expected widely, with winds potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal locations.

Scotland’s environmental watchdog issued 29 flood warnings and 11 less severe flood alerts as Storm Boelo brought heavy rain and powerful winds to the country.

Ferry services between Ireland and Pembrokeshire have also been halted, while more than a dozen rail services have been cancelled on Scotland’s west coast.

The travel chaos comes immediately after Storm Austen caused disruption on Friday, leaving thousands of homes without power in Cornwall and forcing schools to close.

Key Points

  • Nearly 30 flood warnings issued across Scotland amid heavy rain
  • More than a dozen flights grounded as Storm Boelo wreaks havoc
  • What weather warnings are in place this weekend?
  • Rail disruption as 80mph gales hit UK
  • Ferry services halted due to severe weather conditions
  • Flood warnings in place in England

Over 2,000 properties were without power in England

06:30 , Shweta Sharma

More than 2,000 properties in north-west England were without power on Saturday night due to the storm.

Met Office warned that strong winds could cause power cuts, flying debris, damage to buildings and trees, travel disruption and danger to life from large waves, the Met Office said.

People in the rain on Westminster Bridge, London. An amber weather warning is in place across Scotland, the north of England down to Carlisle and the north-east of Northern Ireland on Saturday (PA)

The Met Office urged people to stay inside as staying outside in high winds could make people "more vulnerable to injury".

“Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees."

ScotRail suspends services as Storm Boelo causes major disruption

06:00 , Shweta Sharma

Several railway lines across western and northern Scotland have been closed as Storm Boelo brings dangerous winds and heavy rain.

Services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire were suspended from 9pm on Saturday, while the Oban and Mallaig lines were closed at around 10pm.

Further disruption is expected on Sunday, with the Kyle of Lochalsh to Achnashellach line and the railway between Wick and Helmsdale closed from the start of service.

ScotRail has also introduced speed restrictions across much of its network, which are expected to remain in place throughout Sunday.

The restrictions mean trains will operate at reduced speeds, resulting in longer journey times, delays and possible cancellations.

Some restrictions on the Far North Line between Inverness and Wick could remain in place until Monday morning.

Passengers have been advised to check their journeys before travelling and consider alternative arrangements where possible.

Storm Boelo: Planes battle strong winds as they attempt to land at Heathrow

05:16 , Holly Bancroft

Nearly 30 flood warnings issued across Scotland amid heavy rain

04:30 , Shweta Sharma

Scotland's environmental watchdog has issued 29 flood warnings and 11 less severe flood alerts as Storm Boelo brings heavy rain and powerful winds to the country.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warnings and alerts in place across Scotland amid concerns over rising water levels and flooding.

A yellow rain warning covering central parts of the Highlands, including Inverness, came into force at 9pm on Saturday and is expected to remain in place until 3pm on Sunday.

“Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph and gusts to 80mph in exposed coastal areas,” the Met Office said.

“The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday.”

The latest warnings come just a day after Storm Austen brought heavy rainfall to much of the UK.

Wind warning across Scotland

04:06 , Holly Bancroft

An amber weather warning for wind across Scotland and a yellow warning for rain for parts of the country have come into force in response to Storm Boelo.

The amber wind warning affects almost all of Scotland, with the exception of Orkney and the Shetland Isles, although Orkney still has a yellow wind warning in place.It came into force at 9pm, and is to remain in place until 9pm on Sunday.

The yellow rain warning that came into force concurrently affects central parts of the Highlands, including Inverness, and will be called off at 3pm on Sunday.It comes after Storm Austen brought heavy rain to much of the UK on Friday.

The Met Office has warned of potential injuries and danger to life from flying debris as well as a chance of damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.“

Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph and gusts to 80mph in exposed coastal areas,” the Met Office said.

“The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday.”

Storm Boelo disrupts flights at Dublin airport

03:06 , Holly Bancroft

Storm Boelo’s strong winds disrupted flights at Dublin Airport, where as of 4pm on Saturday, nine outbound and 10 inbound flights had been cancelled by airlines because of weather issues.

It also reported that six inbound flights performed go-arounds – five of which landed on the second attempt, with the other diverting to another airport before returning a short time later. A Dublin Airport spokesman warned “winds are forecast to remain strong for the rest of the day, which may lead to further disruption”.

What’s in a name? How and why we give storms human titles

02:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The UK is braced for its second storm of the season just a day after Storm Austen passed.

Flights have been grounded after the Met Office issued fresh “danger to life” weather warnings ahead of Storm Boelo.

Dublin Airport announced several cancellations and delays on Saturday as this second storm hurtled towards the UK and Ireland, bringing heavy rains and gales.

But why have these storms been called Austen and Boelo? Why are storms named, and how does the naming system work?

Here is what you need to know:

Image from: Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

What’s in a name? How and why we give storms human titles

Passengers advised not to take North West trains on Sunday

01:01 , Holly Bancroft

Severe weather is disrupting a lot of train lines in the north of England on Sunday. Delays are expected on the journey between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly, as well as the route from Leeds to Manchester Victoria.

Services in Stoke, Maccersfield, Blackpool, Preston and Wigan also face serious disruption tomorrow.

Poole man 'lucky to be alive' after falling tree crushes car

Sunday 25 October 2026 00:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A man says he is "lucky to be alive" after a large oak tree came down during Storm Austen, crushing his car while he was inside it.

Pete Smith was waiting at a temporary traffic light in his black BMW 4-series in Swanage, Dorset, on Friday when the 75mph gusts blew down the 50ft oak tree.

The 63 year-old financier said he heard a "giant bang" and there was smashed glass and tree everywhere.

Image from: Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

Storm Austen: Poole man 'lucky to be alive' after falling tree crushes car

Trains cancelled on LNER services due to Storm

Saturday 24 October 2026 23:10 , Holly Bancroft

LNER train line has said that most trains operating to and from Aberdeen will be cancelled on Sunday due to Storm Boelo.

A reduced service will also be operating between Northallerton and Darlington, and Newcastle and Edinburgh on Sunday.

LNER said that “due to the severity of the weather and expected road closures, rail replacement coaches will not be available”. They added: “As other operators are also impacted, it will not be possible to travel with a different train company”.

Watch: Railway workers repair overhead lines after Storm Austen damage in Essex .mp4

Saturday 24 October 2026 23:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Met forecaster: Plan ahead and prepare for disruption

Saturday 24 October 2026 21:51 , Holly Bancroft

Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Storm Boelo will be felt across the UK this weekend, with the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption in the north.“

“Amber warnings are in place across mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, where gusts of 60-70mph are expected widely, with the potential for 80mph in exposed coastal locations.

“Strong winds will also affect other parts of the UK, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in places. Heavy rain will provide an additional hazard, particularly in the north, bringing the potential for further impacts.

“People should prepare for the potential for disruption, particularly to travel and power supplies.”

People should secure loose items outside, plan ahead if they are travelling and keep an eye on the latest forecast and warnings, he advised.

Hundreds of homes without power in south-west England

Saturday 24 October 2026 21:35 , Holly Bancroft

Hundreds of homes were still without power in south-west England after Storm Austen hit the region on Friday.

An amber wind warning, the Met Office’s second most severe, is active across Scotland, the north of England down to Carlisle from 9pm on Saturday to the same time on Sunday.

A further amber warning runs from 9pm on Saturday to 10am on Sunday in the north-east of Northern Ireland.

Storm Boelo, the second named storm of the season, will bring a danger to life from flying debris and crashing waves and people should stay indoors as much as possible, the forecaster said.

The amber warning sits within wider yellow wind warnings which extend south into parts of England and North Wales and cover the whole of Northern Ireland.The Environment Agency had issued 58 alerts for spots across England where flooding is possible by 8pm on Saturday, as well as 12 warnings stating that flooding is expected.

Amber warnings in force as Storm Boelo hits the UK

Saturday 24 October 2026 21:14 , Holly Bancroft

Amber weather warnings have come into force as the worst of Storm Boelo could be set to hit parts of the UK.

Storm Boelo’s winds will peak from Saturday evening, leaving areas in the warning zone including Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England braced for gusts of 60-70mph and even 80mph in exposed coastal spots, the Met Office said.

The forecaster’s amber warnings came into force on Saturday at 9pm.

Maximum gust speeds of 75mph have already hit South Uist Range, Western Isles, Highland and Eilean Sair, Scotland, on Saturday, according to the Met Office, which has also issued several yellow warnings for rain.

Storm Boelo follows Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, which brought strong winds to parts of the UK on Friday.

Gusts of 76mph were recorded at St Mary’s Airport in the Isles of Scilly, with 74mph at Aberporth in south Wales and 71mph at Culdrose in Cornwall. Heavy downpours since 8am on Saturday has already seen rainfall totals of 72mm in White Barrow, Wiltshire, along with 43mm in both Cwm Dyli, just south of the Snowdon range in North Wales, and Inveruglas on the west shore of Loch Lomond, Scotland.

Watch: BA plane makes bumpy landing at Heathrow as winds batter UK

Saturday 24 October 2026 21:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

How to stay safe during strong winds

Saturday 24 October 2026 20:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Met Office suggests checking for loose items outside your home such as plant pots, garden furniture and trampolines and making sure they are secure to avoid damage to your home or injuring other people.

Before travelling, experts suggest planning a route, checking weather updates and bringing a battery pack, food and water with you.

Those planning to visit the coast should take extra care, with large waves, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions possible.

RNLI Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod said: "Storm Austen is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.

"If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: Lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety.

"If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring."

What should you buy for an emergency kit?

Saturday 24 October 2026 19:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

An emergency kit filled with essentials for staying warm, food and water, as well as medical supplies, can help during power cuts and if it is unsafe to go outside.

According to the Red Cross a home emergency unit should include:

  • list of emergency contact numbers (paper copy, in case your phone loses power)
  • portable power bank
  • cash for essentials (like food or fuel)
  • torch and radio (battery or wind-up), spare batteries
  • essential medication (and backup power for medical equipment, if needed)
  • first aid kit (e.g., plasters, bandages, antiseptic, gloves)
  • hand sanitiser and wet wipes
  • three days’ supply of bottled water and long-life, ready-to-eat food (include a tin opener)
  • copies of important documents (kept in a waterproof bag)
  • pencil and paper
  • spare house and car keys
  • baby and pet supplies (if needed)

Blankets, spare clothes, hygiene products and a camping stove could also be useful in the event of power outages, the charity added.

The Met Office also urges people to check forecasts and warnings regularly, ensuring homes and vehicles are ready for severe weather, and looking out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours can all help to reduce disruption when bad weather strikes.

In pictures: Storm Boelo sweeps across the UK

Saturday 24 October 2026 19:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain  (Reuters) (PA)

Image shows Storm Boelo as seen from space

Saturday 24 October 2026 18:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Met Office issued a photo of a satellite image of Storm Boelo as seen from space, covering the UK.

 (Met Office)

How to keep your home warm without huge energy bills, according to experts

Saturday 24 October 2026 18:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The UK is being hit by the second named storm of the season, as Storm Boelo, preceded by Austen, lashes the country.

Parts of the UK and Ireland have been spending a lot of time in the single digits in recent days, serving as a stark reminder that winter is on the way.

Staying comfortable during the colder months is important. The challenge, however, remains achieving this warmth without incurring excessive energy costs.

Image from: Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

How to keep your home warm without huge energy bills, according to experts

Safari Park in Merseyside closed tomorrow

Saturday 24 October 2026 17:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Knowsley Safari Park in Prescot, Merseyside will be closed tomorrow due to the ongoing storm.

An update on the park’s Instagram page said: "Knowsley Safari will be closed tomorrow, Sunday October 25, to ensure the safety of our guests, animals and colleagues during the storm.

"If you’re booked to visit us tomorrow, you will have received an email with details on how to rearrange your visit. If you didn’t receive this, please email safari.park@knowsley.com with your booking reference number and preferred date for your visit."

Dozens of flood warnings and alerts in Scotland

Saturday 24 October 2026 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

There are 16 flood warnings in Scotland, as of Saturday afternoon.

The warning mean “immediate action is required”.

They affect:

  • Ayr to Troon
  • Largs
  • Upper Solway Firth
  • Southerness Point
  • Rough Firth
  • Outer Wigtown Bay
  • East Luce Bay
  • West Luce Bay North
  • South West Rhins
  • Loch Ryan
  • Whitesands
  • West Luce Bay South
  • Carse of Lennoch to Lochlane
  • Dumbarton
  • Vatersay Causeway
  • Berneray Causeway

There are also 11 flood alerts, which affect:

  • Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City
  • Argyll and Bute
  • Ayrshire and Arran
  • Caithness and Sutherland
  • Dumfries and Galloway
  • Easter Ross and Great Glen
  • Findhorn, Nairn, Moray and Speyside
  • Orkney
  • Tayside
  • West Central Scotland
  • Western Isles

Storm Boelo: Planes battle strong winds as they attempt to land at Heathrow

Saturday 24 October 2026 16:51 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Planes were filmed making a bumpy landing at Heathrow Airport as Storm Boelo brought strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the UK. (24 October)

Flights have been grounded after the Met Office issued a “danger to life” weather warning as the storm swept across the country.

Dublin Airport announced several cancellations on Saturday as the second named storm of the last few days brought heavy rain and powerful gusts.

The disruption comes just a day after Storm Austen battered parts of the UK, leaving thousands of homes without power in Cornwall and forcing schools to close.

Image from: Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

Storm Boelo: Planes battle strong winds as they attempt to land at Heathrow

Flood warnings in England

Saturday 24 October 2026 16:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

There are now six flood warnings, where flooding is expected, in England. They affect:

  • Cumbrian coastline from Gretna to Silloth including Port Carlisle, Skinburness and Rockcliffe
  • Cumbrian coastline from Silloth to St Bees, between Allonby and Whitehaven
  • Cumbrian coastline from Silloth to St Bees including Maryport, Flimby, Workington and Whitehaven
  • Cumbrian coastline from St Bees Head to Haverigg, along the coast from North Head to Haverigg
  • Irish Sea at New Brighton in Merseyside
  • Lee's Bridge at Astley Bridge Central, Bolton, Greater Manchester

More widely, there are 40 flood alerts, where flooding is possible, across the northern and southern coastal areas on the west of the country.

 (Environment Agency)

Watch: Railway workers repair overhead lines after Storm Austen damage in Essex

Saturday 24 October 2026 16:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

More than a dozen flights grounded as Storm Boelo wreaks havoc

Saturday 24 October 2026 16:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Over a dozen flights have been grounded as Storm Boelo wreaks havoc in the sky.

Dublin Airport gave a late afternoon update, announcing that 19 flights have been cancelled on Saturday, warning further disruption is expected.

The update on social media said: “As of 4pm, 9 outbound and 10 inbound flights have been cancelled by airlines due to weather issues. Six inbound flights performed go-arounds - 5 of which landed on the second attempt, with the other diverting to another airport before returning a short time later. Winds are forecast to remain strong for the rest of the day, which may lead to further disruption.”

London's Diwali celebrations cancelled due to severe weather conditions

Saturday 24 October 2026 16:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

London’s annual Diwali on the Square celebrations have been cancelled as powerful gales rock the capital.

Expert safety advice was solicited before cancelling the event at Trafalgar Square, organisers said, as the severe weather conditions from Storm Boelo poses health and safety risks.

In a statement online, the organisers said: “Following expert safety advice in light of the forecast storms, the event cannot go ahead safely. Adverse weather forecast for Saturday 24 October is affecting preparations at Trafalgar Square and poses potential risks to the health and safety of the teams preparing the site. The decision to cancel has been taken in consultation with relevant experts and the Greater London Authority (GLA) team. The safety of site teams, participants and visitors must come first.

“We know how much this celebration means to everyone who was looking forward to attending. We are particularly saddened for the young performers, participants and volunteers who have devoted so much time, energy and care to preparing for the day. We share their disappointment and thank them for everything they have contributed.”

Rare red marine warning issued

Saturday 24 October 2026 15:37 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A rare red marine warning has been issued by the Irish meteorological weather service.

An update on the Met Éireann said that westerly winds “will reach violent storm force 11 at times,” from Rossan Point to Bloody Foreland to Fair Head.

The warning is in place for 7pm on Saturday until 6am on Sunday morning.

 (Met Éireann)

Watch: Apple fans braved Storm Austen to queue for release of iPhone Duo

Saturday 24 October 2026 14:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Experts give advice on what you need to buy to prepare for winter weather

Saturday 24 October 2026 14:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Experts are urging people to prepare for the first named storms of the season by packing an emergency kit, keeping up to date with forecast changes and making sure homes and cars are winter ready.

It comes as just one in eight (13 per cent) people say they are ready for severe winter weather.

Here is what you need to know:

Image from: Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

Experts give advice on what you need to buy to prepare for winter weather

Storm Boelo mapped: Where strong gales and rain will hit UK today

Saturday 24 October 2026 14:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The second storm of the season is set to UK as the Met Office issued two amber “danger to life” warnings.

The country has barely recovered from Storm Austen, as powerful winds of 111mph were recorded in Cornwall on Friday, leaving more than 9,000 homes without power.

Gusts of 76mph were recorded at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly, 74mph recorded in Aberporth, south Wales, and 71mph at Culdrose in Cornwall.

Travel was disrupted as roads were closed due to fallen trees, Exeter Airport cancelled flights, and ferries to the Isles of Scilly were suspended.

Image from: Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

Storm Boelo mapped: Where strong gales and rain will hit UK today

Airport announces cancellations and delays amid Storm Boelo

Saturday 24 October 2026 13:42 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Storm Boelo has caused airline cancellations as the severe weather continues.

Dublin Airport announced several cancellations and delays on Saturday.

A post on social media said: “As of 12 noon, 5 outbound and 4 inbound flights have been cancelled by airlines due to weather issues.

“Winds are forecast to increase as the day goes on, which may lead to some further disruption.”

How and why do we name storms?

Saturday 24 October 2026 13:27 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The UK is braced for its second storm of the season just more than 24 hours after the first passed.

Here is everything you need to know about why storms are named and how a name is chosen.

Why do we name storms?

In 2015, the Met Office launched a scheme inviting the public to suggest names for storms, to raise awareness of the dangers of severe weather.

The forecaster said using a single, recognisable name for a storm helps the public better understand the risks and take action to keep themselves safe.

When is a storm named?

The decision is linked to weather warnings. If a storm is disruptive or dangerous enough for an amber or red warning to be issued, the Met Office gives it a name.

Named storms are often expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain that could lead to flooding, or significant snowfall.

How is a name chosen?

The Met Office uses suggestions from the public to agree a list of names for the year ahead, working together with Irish forecaster Met Éireann, and Dutch forecaster KNMI as the storm naming group for western Europe.

A name is avoided if it is too difficult to pronounce, has different meanings in different countries, or if it is associated with a private company, public figure, or a storm that has previously caused loss of life.

The US National Hurricane Centre does not use storm names beginning with the letters Q, U, X, Y or Z, so, for consistency in the North Atlantic, neither does the Met Office.

The alphabetical list, which runs from early September until late August the following year, alternates between male and female names.

Next up this season: Chloe, Dano, Evelyn, Finn, Gwendolyn and Heather.

Ferry services between Pembrokeshire and Ireland cancelled

Saturday 24 October 2026 13:07 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ferry services between Pembrokeshire and Ireland have been cancelled due to heavy rain and strong winds.

Operators Stena Line and Irish Ferries have suspended sailings between west Wales and Ireland due to the severe weather.

The Stena Nordica crossing from Fishguard to Rosslare at 2pm has been cancelled, as well as the 7.30pm Rosslare to Fishguard crossing.

Irish Ferries cancelled the 2.45 sailing of the Rosslare to Pembroke service, and Sunday’s 8.45am crossing is also cancelled.

Storm Boelo triggers emergency meeting for Scottish ministers

Saturday 24 October 2026 12:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Scottish ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for Storm Boelo.

Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville chaired an SGORR meeting on Friday and said it will continue to “monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public”.

The City of Edinburgh Council said it will be closing Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle Grounds and Saughton Winter Gardens on Saturday evening because of the forecast and will reopen them on Monday once it is safe to do so.

Edinburgh Castle will also be closed on Sunday, and visitors have been warned that the site may be delayed or closed on Saturday because of the weather forecast.

The Paisley Halloween Festival event on Saturday – one of Scotland’s best-known Halloween events, according to organisers – has also been cancelled thanks to the severe weather forecast.

The free-to-attend event was planned to take over the Paisley town centre and host a parade of more than 400 professional performers and community groups, and it included street theatre and outdoor light installations.

Over a dozen ferry services cancelled amid wet and windy weather

Saturday 24 October 2026 12:17 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Storm Boelo has also affected ferry services across the country.

Fourteen of CalMac’s 30 ferry services have been cancelled, some of them until Monday.

All other routes are facing disruption or last-minute cancellations because of the weather.

 (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Rail disruption as 80mph gales hit the UK

Saturday 24 October 2026 12:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rail lines in western and northern Scotland are set to close later as the country braces itself for Storm Boelo, which is expected to sweep in with gusts of up to 80mph.

Network Rail Scotland said that services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire will stop from 9pm on Saturday while further north the Oban and Mallaig lines will close from about 10pm.

On Sunday, the line between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach in the Highlands will be closed from the start of service, as well as the railway between Wick and Helmsdale.

Trains will also run at reduced speeds across large parts of Scotland as the storm moves through, with speed restrictions starting late on Saturday evening and continuing into the following day.

ScotRail has advised people to check their journey before travelling and to consider alternative arrangements where possible.

The rail operator also said people with tickets for travel on Saturday or Sunday can travel on any service on Saturday, or use their ticket once routes reopen following the storm, including on Monday.

Airport issues warning to passengers amid Storm Boelo

Saturday 24 October 2026 11:54 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Dublin Airport has warned passengers that strong winds from Storm Boelo “may lead to some disruption”.

While passengers were assured that the airport is “operating as normal”, they were advised to “keep in direct contact with their airline for latest updates regarding the status of their flight”.

Wales flood alerts

Saturday 24 October 2026 11:38 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

There is currently one flood warning in Wales, affecting the tidal area at Borth.

There are three flood alerts, affecting:

  • North East Wales coastline
  • West Anglesey coastline
  • Llyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastline

Scotland flood warnings and alerts

Saturday 24 October 2026 11:06 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In Scotland, there are nine flood warnings, where “immediate action is required”. They affect:

  • Ayr to Troon
  • Largs
  • Outer Wigtown Bay
  • East Luce Bay
  • West Luce Bay North
  • South West Rhins
  • Loch Ryan
  • West Luce Bay South
  • Dumbarton

There are 10 flood alerts, signalling to “be prepared”. They affect:

  • Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City
  • Ayrshire and Arran
  • Central
  • Dumfries and Galloway
  • Dundee and Angus
  • Edinburgh and Lothians
  • Fife
  • Scottish Borders
  • Tayside
  • West Central Scotland

Flood warnings and alerts in England

Saturday 24 October 2026 11:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In England, there are currently 10 flood alerts, where flooding is possible:

  • Coastal areas of Seaford seafront
  • North Sea coast at Bridlington
  • River Alt, Formby to Huyton
  • River Maun in Nottinghamshire
  • River Sow and River Penk
  • Somerset coast at Porlock Weir
  • South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head
  • South Cornwall coast from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head excluding the Tidal Fal Estuary
  • The tidal River Waveney from Ellingham to Breydon Water
  • The tidal River Yare from Thorpe St Andrew to Breydon Water

Recap of Storm Austen: A broken pier and thousands of home without power

Saturday 24 October 2026 10:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Storm Austen wreaked havoc on Friday, as powerful winds of 111mph were recorded in Cornwall, leaving more than 9,000 homes without power.

Gusts of 76mph were recorded at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly, 74mph recorded in Aberporth, south Wales, and 71mph at Culdrose in Cornwall.

Travel was disrupted as roads were closed due to fallen trees, Exeter Airport cancelled flights, and ferries to the Isles of Scilly were suspended.

Several schools in Guernsey closed as a safety measure, and part of Brighton’s West Pier fell into the sea on Friday as huge sea waves crashed into the iconic landmark following powerful winds.

 (Reuters)

Yellow warning for rain to start at 11am

Saturday 24 October 2026 10:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Areas worst affected by downpours on Saturday will see rain accumulation of 50 to 60mm locally, the Met Office said.

A yellow warning for rain will come into effect from 11am today.

What are the weather warnings in place this weekend?

Saturday 24 October 2026 09:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

There are currently five weather warnings issued for this weekend as Storm Boelo rolls in.

There are two amber warnings for wind: the first warning stretches across the whole of Scotland and northern England, from 9pm tonight until 9pm Sunday.

The second amber warning affects the tip of Northern Ireland, from 9pm today until 10am tomorrow.

There are two yellow warnings for wind- the first reaches the outskirts of Scotland and stretch down to Wales and Yorkshire & Humber, in place from midday today until 9pm tomorrow.

The second yellow warning for wind extends to a larger part of Northern Ireland from 10am today until midday tomorrow.

Finally, a yellow warning for rain impacts Wales and most of western and southern England, missing the centre and east. This will start at 11am today until 11pm tonight.

 (Met Office)

Windy weekend in store for the UK

Saturday 24 October 2026 09:37 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A windy weekend is in store for the UK, the Met Office has warned.

Weather warnings issued for most of UK as Storm Boela grips the country

Saturday 24 October 2026 09:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Weather warnings have been issued for most of the UK today as Storm Boela sweeps in, bringing heavy rains and strong winds.

The second storm of the season hurtled towards the country immediately after Storm Austen unleashed havoc on Friday, leaving thousands of home without power in Cornwall and causing schools to close.

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