Storm Boelo, the first named storm of the season to hit the North East, is set to bring widespread disruption with wind gusts of up to 63mph in Newcastle and 68mph in areas further north. Yellow weather warnings have been issued across all of mainland Scotland, Northern Ireland and the entirety of North East England, with the storm impacting the region from Saturday through Sunday.
Warning Times and Expected Gusts
The warning is in place from 6pm on Saturday October 24 until 9pm on Sunday October 25. The storm's risk index shows a 25-50% chance of significant impact across affected areas. Gusts of 55-65 mph are likely widely, with some coastal or exposed areas potentially seeing gusts of 70-80 mph or more.
The Met Office issued the warning, adding: "Strong westerly winds will spread across northern parts of the UK during Saturday evening. Very windy conditions will persist overnight and through much of Sunday before gradually easing from the southwest later."
Potential Impacts and Affected Areas
The storm could bring damage to buildings, disruption to road, rail, air and ferry transport, and potential road and bridge closures. Power cuts are also likely, with potential impacts on other services such as mobile phone coverage. As a result of the high winds, injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
North East areas affected by Storm Boelo include Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees and Sunderland. Some areas of North West England and Yorkshire are also affected by the storm warnings.
Storm Austen will hit the South of England with yellow and amber wind warnings, while Storm Boelo targets Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England, marking two storms in two days across the UK.
