Forecasters have upgraded the weather alert for Scotland to amber, with Storm Boelo expected to bring gusts of up to 80mph this weekend. The warning covers all of mainland Scotland and islands off its west coast, with potential danger to life from flying debris, damage to buildings, power cuts, and travel disruption.
Storm Boelo is set to hit on Saturday, the day after Storm Austen brings heavy rain to many areas on Friday. A yellow warning for strong winds begins at midday on Saturday, but at 6pm the amber alert comes into force, lasting until 9pm on Sunday. Only Orkney remains under the yellow warning.
Met Office Details on Storm Boelo
The Met Office said: "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 strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening, then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday, the forecaster added.
Storm Austen Brings Rain and Flood Risk
On Friday, a Met Office yellow warning for rain is in force across much of southern and eastern Scotland. With Storm Austen, the Met Office said there is a "small chance" homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to buildings.
Travellers have been urged to check the availability of trains and buses, while motorists have been warned that spray and flooding may affect drivers and cause road closures. There is a chance communities may become cut off because of flooded roads, and power cuts are also possible.
Transport Disruption and Preparations
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has 11 flood alerts in place on Friday. ScotRail said services to and from Aberdeen, Glasgow Central to Edinburgh, and Glasgow Central to Carlisle may face speed restrictions or cancellations. Traffic Scotland has urged motorists to look out for updates.
Network Rail Scotland said speed restrictions will be in place on parts of the West Coast Main Line and East Coast Main Line, as well as routes across southern and eastern Scotland, during some parts of the day.
Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, said: "We can't control the weather, but we can make sure we're as ready as possible for whatever it brings. A big part of our job is staying one step ahead."
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "Safety is always our top priority, and with weather warnings in place as Storm Austen and Storm Boelo bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Scotland this weekend, there is an increased risk of flooding and disruption on the railway." Ferry operator CalMac also said several of its services may be subject to disruption.
