Storm Boelo brought widespread disruption to Merseyside today, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph, fallen trees blocking roads and railway lines, and a flood warning issued for New Brighton. A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place until 9pm on Sunday, October 25.
Events cancelled and venues closed
The strong winds led to the cancellation of the River of Light, the illuminated trail of artworks across Liverpool city centre, for the third consecutive night. Liverpool City Council said repair works to some installations were required due to storm damage. However, the council believes tomorrow's River of Light is "expected to go ahead as planned" based on the expected weather forecast.
Aintree Racecourse confirmed today's meeting had been cancelled due to high winds, and Liverpool Anglican Cathedral was fully closed.
Roads and rail disrupted
Park Lane in Liverpool city centre is currently blocked due to an unsafe building, after strong winds caused parts of the roof to fly into the road just after 7am. Trees fell on several roads, including Colebrook Road and Hassop Way in St Michaels, and Menlove Avenue in Allerton.
Fallen trees also blocked several Merseyrail lines and the railway between Liverpool and Manchester, with TransPennine Express strongly advising people not to travel between the two cities. Some flights at Liverpool John Lennon Airport were cancelled.
Flood warning in New Brighton
A flood warning is currently in place in New Brighton, issued by the government website just after 9am this morning. The locations most affected were Marine Point Leisure and Retail Park, as well as properties on King's Parade and Marine Promenade. High tides at King's Parade caused water to splash onto the road, and buses were later suspended in the area before resuming just after 1.30pm.
There was speculation about whether Liverpool FC's matches in Merseyside today would go ahead. The men's team were facing Brighton at Anfield, while the women's team were set to face London City Lioness at the St Helens Stadium. The club confirmed this morning that both fixtures would go ahead as planned.
Forecast and outlook
The Met Office's weather warning stated: "Very windy conditions will then persist overnight and through much of Sunday before gradually easing from the southwest later. Gusts of 55-65 mph are likely widely with some coastal and exposed areas potentially seeing gusts of 70-80 mph or more, these strongest gusts most likely across Scotland and the far north of England."
No weather warnings have been issued for tomorrow in Liverpool at this stage. The Met Office has forecast a calmer day, with heavy rain from 7am to 12pm before it turns cloudy in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to hover between 9C and 16C, although it will feel a few degrees colder. Wind speeds are expected to be between 23 and 30mph for most of the day, increasing to 39mph by 11pm.
