Storm Boelo is set to bring very strong westerly winds, with widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph and coastal areas likely to see gusts reaching 80mph, as the Met Office issues a "danger to life" warning. An amber wind warning covers all of mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the very far north of England, coming into force at 9pm on Saturday and remaining in place until 9pm on Sunday.
Storm Path and Timing
The strongest winds are expected to first impact western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening before spreading eastwards overnight and continuing across other areas throughout Sunday. Heavy rain and frequent showers are also forecast to accompany the storm.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: "Saturday morning will start dry and bright in the east of the UK, however further west rain and increasingly windy conditions will already be set in as people wake up for the day. This stormy weather will continue to move eastwards bringing rain and windy conditions to all of the UK."
Travel Disruption and Safety Measures
Rail lines in western and northern Scotland will close as Storm Boelo sweeps in. Network Rail Scotland said services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire will stop from 9pm on Saturday, while the Oban and Mallaig lines will close from around 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.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan warned of "some widespread travel disruption across Scotland, possibly northern parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England as well through the next 24 to 36 hours," adding he expects "delays to ferry services, if not cancellations, perhaps some quite widespread impacts to travel on the railways and on the roads as well."
Warnings and Precautions
Forecasters have warned that airborne debris could pose a risk of injury and endanger lives, while power outages and disruption to phone services are also possible. The Met Office has further cautioned that strong winds may damage buildings and trees, force bridge closures and cause significant disruption to transport networks.
RNLI regional water safety lead Michael Avril said: "Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks by travelling to coastal locations."
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.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later on Sunday as the strongest winds begin to ease from the west.
