Storm Boelo batters Brits with 80mph winds and rain causing travel chaos amid weather warnings

Storm Boelo batters Brits with 80mph winds and rain causing travel chaos amid weather warnings Amber warnings cover parts of Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland as Storm Boelo approaches its strongest phase with forecasters warning of damaging gusts, power cuts and travel disruption Britain’s scorching summer feels a distant memory as Storm Boelo sweeps in, bringing the threat of 80mph winds. Families face another weekend of travel disruption and possible power cuts as the second named storm of the season follows closely behind Storm Austen. The strongest winds are expected across northern parts of the UK, with forecasters warning of danger from flying debris and large waves. Amber wind warnings cover much of Scotland and parts of northern England from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. A separate amber warning covers parts of County Antrim and County Londonderry in Northern Ireland from 9pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday. To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed. Gusts of 60–70mph are expected widely within the amber warning areas, potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal locations. The Met Office warned that buildings could be damaged, trees brought down and roads and bridges closed. Power cuts could also affect mobile phone coverage. The warnings come as communities recover from Storm Austen, which battered southern areas on Friday. At one stage, 31,000 properties in the South West were without electricity, while strong winds and waves also caused part of Brighton’s historic West Pier to collapse. Amy Webb, chief operating officer at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We have teams on the ground assessing damage, making repairs and restoring supplies, and we’ll keep going until everyone is reconnected. We’ve had fantastic support from the communities where our teams are working. We’re very grateful for that patience and understanding while our engineers continue the job of getting everybody back on supply.” In London, the weather has forced the cancellation of Sunday’s Diwali on the Square celebrations in Trafalgar Square. Organisers said conditions forecast for Saturday made it unsafe to carry out the preparations needed to stage the event. For those planning to travel, rail operators have urged passengers to reconsider some journeys. Avanti West Coast advised against travelling north of Preston on Sunday, while TransPennine Express said passengers should travel only if essential this weekend. LNER also advised against journeys between Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Sunday. National Rail warned that fallen trees, damaged overhead wires and flooding could interrupt services, with speed restrictions adding to journey times while ScotRail asked people living near railway lines to secure outdoor belongings before the strongest winds arrive. The operator said in a post on X: “We’re asking anyone with garden items such as tents, trampolines or furniture, to secure them ahead of the arrival of #StormBoelo so that they don’t blow onto the tracks and interfere with lineside equipment or block the railway.” Drivers were also warned to take extra care during the storm. RAC mobile mechanic of the year Jack Halstead said: “Very strong winds and heavy rain mean it’s vital to slow down and leave a far greater gap behind the vehicle in front. Where possible, drivers should avoid coastal and exposed upland routes when storms like these roll in.” Rain warnings add to the difficulties, covering Wales and parts of England until 11pm on Saturday. Another warning for parts of Scotland runs from 9pm on Saturday until 3pm on Sunday, with flooding and further travel disruption possible. But the impact varies across the country. Rain should clear much of England and Wales on Saturday evening, followed by clearer spells and scattered showers. London and the South East face a wet and windy Saturday evening before clearer spells develop overnight. Sunday should bring sunshine for most, although conditions will remain windy. Further rain is expected on Monday and Tuesday before a more settled Wednesday. Sunday should be drier and brighter for most, although blustery showers remain possible in the north and west. Scotland and Northern Ireland will continue to see showers or longer spells of rain, with winds easing only gradually. The unsettled spell is expected to continue into next week. A yellow wind warning is already in place for Tuesday across Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland and northern England, with uncertainty remaining over the strongest gusts. By Wednesday, the Met Office expects brighter spells and mostly dry weather, although some western areas could still see showers.