Thousands of homes in the UK are without power, more than 1,500 flights have been delayed, and train services have been disrupted after Storm Boelo hit the UK with winds of more than 80mph, triggering “danger to life” weather warnings.
The National Grid, SSEN and SP Electricity North West’s live maps and trackers show that thousands of houses are affected by power cuts, while flights to and from major UK airports have been disrupted amid severe weather conditions.
The Met Office issued amber weather warnings for parts of the north of England, Scotland and the north-east of Northern Ireland on Saturday night.
Winds peaked overnight with gusts of 60-70mph affecting areas in the warning zones, including Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, while gusts topped at more than 80mph in exposed coastal spots.
The island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides experienced 82mph winds at about 4am on Sunday, according to the Met Office.
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.
Key Points
- Amber warning in force as Storm Boelo brings 80mph gusts to parts of UK
- 82,000 properties without power across UK
- List of train operators impacted on Sunday
- Town centre flooded as storm hits
- Where strong gales and rain will hit UK today
Where does the weather warning cover?
13:30 , Dan HaygarthThe amber Met Office warning zone includes Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England.
It sits within a yellow wind warning zone that reaches further south and runs until 9pm, while another in Northern Ireland lifted at midday.
Flood warnings in place
13:15 , Dan HaygarthThe Environment Agency had issued five warnings that flooding is expected for spots in northern parts of England as of 11am, as well as 33 alerts where it is possible.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said 34 flood warnings and 11 flooding alerts were active as of the same time.
Rain still hitting Scotland
13:00 , Dan HaygarthRainfall totals are continuing to build across Scotland from Storm Boelo ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 25, 2026
Cluanie Inn, in Ross & Cromarty, has seen 121.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours 🌧️
For context, their monthly average rainfall for October is 330.27mm ☔ pic.twitter.com/pkJ2Fh9fTA
More than 30,000 homes across Scotland
12:45 , Dab HaygarthMore than 30,000 homes across Scotland are experiencing power outages after Storm Boelo battered the country overnight.
As of 11am on Sunday, just in excess of 24,000 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) customer properties were affected by power outages.
At least 6,000 homes in areas across central and southern Scotland were also without power following the storm, according to SP Energy Networks (SPEN).
Bulletin: Storm Boelo sees flights and ferries cancelled and multiple A roads closed
12:30 , Dan Haygarth
Storm Boelo sees flights and ferries cancelled and multiple A roads closed
Dramatic scenes in Wirral, Merseyside
12:00 , Dan Haygarth
In full - Storm Boelo mapped: Where strong gales and rain will hit UK today
11:47 , Daniel Haygarth
Storm Boelo mapped: Where strong gales and rain will hit UK today
82,000 properties without power across UK
11:44 , Daniel HaygarthMore than 82,000 properties are without power as Storm Boelo continues to batter northern parts of the UK with gusts reaching 84mph.
An amber wind warning remains in place until 9pm, having activated hours after the first named storm of the season petered out from the south west.
On Sunday morning, winds gusts peaked at 84mph in Argyll and Bute, 83mph in Snowdonia and 82mph in the Inner Hebrides, the Met Office said.
Engineers battling severe weather have reconnected 344,900 customers to power but 82,6000 are still disconnected, Energy Networks Association said at about the same time.
'Storm Boelo continues to bring disruptive winds in the north', Met Office says
11:39 , Dan HaygarthStorm Boelo continues to bring disruptive winds in the north, especially for northern Scotland before gradually easing ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 25, 2026
Elsewhere, a much brighter afternoon compared to Saturday with sunny spells and a few blustery showers 🌦️ pic.twitter.com/fg9cimGGaw
Watch: Storm Boelo leaves Scottish high street under floodwater
11:11 , Dan HaygarthFlights in and out of Dublin cancelled on Sunday
11:03 , Dan HaygarthPassenger Update - Sunday 09.30
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) October 25, 2026
Strong winds continue to impact on flight operations today (Sunday).
Mainly due to weather issues in other countries, airlines have so far cancelled 12 inbound and 12 outbound flights from today’s schedule at Dublin Airport.
Wind warnings remain… pic.twitter.com/AlaW3rnh0S
Dover to Calais services cancelled due to weather
10:32 , Dan HaygarthDOVER-CALAIS-DOVER | Cancelled services 25/10/26 due to the weather.
— DFDS Live Travel Updates (@DFDSLiveUpdates) October 25, 2026
10:40 EX DOVER
14:20 EX CALAIS
Apologies for this inconvenience caused. Customers will be transferred to the first available departure. #dfdsinfo pic.twitter.com/PmK3Wy4Mz9
Liverpool to Manchester railway line blocked by fallen tree
10:05 , Dan HaygarthCustomers encouraged not to travel due to a tree blocking the line.
ℹ️We are strongly advising customers not to travel between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly/Manchester Victoria in both directions.
— TPE Customer Assist (@TPEassist) October 25, 2026
🚍 Rail Replacement transport has been requested to run between Manchester and Liverpool but due to the severe weather is very… https://t.co/a8ynrY9LkC
In pictures: Storm leaves its mark
09:54 , Dan Haygarth
Ferries from Belfast cancelled
09:48 , Dan HaygarthStena Line ferry sailings from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool on Sunday morning have been cancelled.
A message on its website says: “This sailing is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. You can amend your booking online to an alternative sailing or route without any change fee or fare difference applied.
“Please take care when amending as we may not be able to fulfil all aspects of your booking such as Cabins, Stena Plus and Pets on other departures.”
Several A roads closed
09:22 , Dan HaygarthIn a series of updates on social media, Traffic Scotland said several A roads remain closed in some areas on Sunday morning, including:
– The A1 motorway is closed in both directions at Ayton due to power cables on the carriageway;
– The A75 between Collin and Carrutherstown is closed in both directions due to fallen trees;
– The A82 at the Bridge of Orchy is closed in both directions due to fallen trees;
– The A78 Shore Road in Skelmorlie is closed in both directions due to damage to the road surface;
– The A85 at Achnacloich is partially blocked in both directions;
The A83 is closed in both directions at Inveraray due to a fallen tree.
Other A roads, including: the A84 at Runacraig; the A87 at Breakish; A726 at Righead Roundabout; and the A76 at Drumlanrig were closed overnight due to fallen trees, but were reopened by 8am on Sunday morning.
A social media post from Traffic Scotland said: “Several trees have fallen across the trunk roads in Scotland overnight due to Storm Boelo.
“Teams are working hard to deal with these incidents as quickly and effectively as possible. Check your route to avoid disruption on the roads today.”
Scottish ferry services suspended
09:00 , Dan Haygarth‼️SERVICE STATUS SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 06.46‼️
— Western Ferries (@Western_Ferries) October 25, 2026
With no improvement in weather conditions brought by Storm Beolo our service remains suspended.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused in the break in our service.
Check our website at https://t.co/kDdTNVrYIQ before you travel.… pic.twitter.com/fbctkz9t7p
Town centre flooded as storm hits
08:45 , Dan HaygarthFootage on social media shows that large parts the town of Largs in North Ayrshire, Scotland, has been flooded.
A video shows that Main Street in the town has been flooded, with the road surface completely submerged.
Businessowner Toni Dawson of Geraldo's told the Largs & Millport Weekly News: "We are trying to protect our businesses from this disaster but we can't even get into our shops right now - god knows how much stock we have lost."
A78 closed at Largs due to fallen tree
08:40 , Dan Haygarth❗️NEW ⏲️07:40
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) October 25, 2026
🛣️#A78 Largs
⛔️The A78 at Largs is CLOSED in both directions due to a fallen tree.
🚗Please #UseAltRoute
🏷️OC: @SWTrunkRoads
🔗Check routes: https://t.co/guU3RElWie pic.twitter.com/N2T6Xmc8qx
Wind speeds top 80mph
08:31 , Dan HaygarthThe Met Office said winds peaked overnight with gusts of 60-70mph affecting areas in the warning zone, including Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, while gusts topped at more than 80mph in exposed coastal spots.
The island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland experienced 82mph winds at about 4am on Sunday, according to the forecaster.
Maximum gust speeds of 75mph hit South Uist Range, Western Isles, Highland and Eilean Siar, Scotland, earlier 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.
Police services dealing with flooding and fallen trees
08:15 , Dan HaygarthCumbria Police said it had received “a number of calls overnight to localised flooding and fallen trees blocking roads” right across the county, adding emergency services were working to clear the blockages but urged drivers to “drive with care”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, on Sunday, warned fallen trees had blocked roads across the country and advised drivers to “take extra caution”.
It said in a statement: “We would particularly draw your attention to closures on the Ballyrobin Road – both lanes currently impassable just after the junction with Seven Mile Straight – which may affect journeys to Belfast International Airport; and on the Glenshane Road, around half a mile from Castledawson roundabout, Derry bound.”
Pictures: Storm Boelo batters parts of UK
08:00 , Shweta Sharma
Several train operators impacted on Sunday
07:45 , Dan HaygarthThe following train operators are impacted with planned service alterations:
- Avanti West Coast - advising to avoid travelling north of Preston today
- CrossCountry
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- LNER - advising to not travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen today
- Northern
- ScotRail
- TransPennine Express - advising to only travel if essential today
- Transport for Wales
Mapped: Weather warnings currently in force in the UK
07:39 , Dan Haygarth
More than 1,500 flights delayed as storm disrupts air and rail travel across UK
07:30 , Shweta SharmaMore than 1,500 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 delays were reported by flight-tracking website FlightAware as strong winds and heavy rain caused widespread disruption to transport networks.
National Rail warned that strong winds and flooding could severely disrupt train services, including those operated by ScotRail, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Northern and Greater Anglia.
LNER cancelled nearly all services to and from Aberdeen and reduced trains serving Northallerton, Newcastle and Edinburgh to one per hour in each direction.
Passengers have been advised to check their journeys before travelling as severe weather continues to affect transport services across the country.
Events and flights cancelled across Britain and Ireland
07:17 , Dan Haygarth
Storm Boelo has already caused widespread disruption.
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.
Network Rail shared images of a trampoline beneath a train and a shed by the tracks, in a call for those living near rail lines to secure their garden furniture firmly.
Visit Liverpool announced the region’s River of Light event, featuring illuminated artworks, had been cancelled “in the interests of safety”.
London’s annual Diwali on the Square celebrations this Sunday were cancelled on independent health and safety experts’ recommendations in light of the storm.
Events and attractions announced closures for Sunday including Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire, which was due to host its Fountains by Floodlight event on Sunday.
Amber warning in force as Storm Boelo brings 80mph gusts to parts of UK
07:12 , Dan HaygarthAmber weather warnings have come into force as the worst of Storm Boelo hits parts of the UK, hours after the first named storm of the season battered the country.
The Met Office said winds peaked overnight with gusts of 60-70mph affecting areas in the warning zone, including Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, while gusts topped at more than 80mph in exposed coastal spots.
The island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland experienced 82mph winds at about 4am on Sunday, according to the forecaster.
The Met’s amber warnings came into force on Saturday at 9pm.
Maximum gust speeds of 75mph hit South Uist Range, Western Isles, Highland and Eilean Siar, Scotland, earlier 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 have 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.
Hundreds of homes were still without power in south-west England after Storm Austen hit the region on Friday where the National Grid said power had been restored to 131,225 properties by 7pm on Saturday.
An amber wind warning, the Met Office’s second most severe, is active across Scotland and 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.
Oil tanker carrying 21 people issues distress alert amid stormy seas off Scotland
07:00 , Shweta SharmaAn oil tanker carrying 21 people issued a distress alert after encountering large swells about 350 nautical miles off the Isle of Mull on Saturday afternoon, authorities have revealed.
The vessel contacted HM Coastguard for assistance as severe weather battered parts of the UK.
A Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft was dispatched to investigate and established communication with the tanker, a spokesperson for the UK's maritime authorities said.
"It was determined that there was no need for assistance, and that the vessel would continue with onwards passage," the spokesperson said.
The authorities did not disclose the vessel's flag state.
Meanwhile, severe weather has forced the cancellation of several events across the country and caused widespread travel disruption.
In Merseyside, the River of Light event was cancelled for a second consecutive day, while Knowsley Safari Park announced it would remain closed on Sunday because of "high winds".
Over 2,000 properties were without power in England
06:30 , Shweta SharmaMore 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.
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 SharmaSeveral 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 BancroftNearly 30 flood warnings issued across Scotland amid heavy rain
04:30 , Shweta SharmaScotland'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 BancroftAn 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 BancroftStorm 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-HussainThe 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:
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 BancroftSevere 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.
⚠️ Due to a significant number of weather related incidents this evening, Saturday 24 October, we strongly recommended customers avoid travelling on routes in the North West. Latest info can be found here👇 https://t.co/6ACO2NDlDH#NorthernUpdates
— NORTHERN 🚆 (@northernassist) October 24, 2026
Poole man 'lucky to be alive' after falling tree crushes car
Sunday 25 October 2026 00:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA 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.
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 BancroftLNER 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”.
#LNERUpdate Due to severe weather caused by Storms Austen and Boelo, there will be multiple service alterations and cancellations across parts of our route.
— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) October 24, 2026
Services that are running may be delayed, altered or cancelled at short notice Sunday 26 Octoberhttps://t.co/vFc6FVGc1Z pic.twitter.com/SjFWvHrgp6
Watch: Railway workers repair overhead lines after Storm Austen damage in Essex .mp4
Saturday 24 October 2026 23:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMet forecaster: Plan ahead and prepare for disruption
Saturday 24 October 2026 21:51 , Holly BancroftMet 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 BancroftHundreds 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 BancroftAmber 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-HussainHow to stay safe during strong winds
Saturday 24 October 2026 20:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe 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-HussainAn 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
Image shows Storm Boelo as seen from space
Saturday 24 October 2026 18:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Met Office issued a photo of a satellite image of Storm Boelo as seen from space, covering the UK.
How to keep your home warm without huge energy bills, according to experts
Saturday 24 October 2026 18:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe 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.
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-HussainKnowsley 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-HussainThere 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-HussainPlanes 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.
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-HussainThere 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.
