The Met Office has issued a rare amber warning for wind covering 34 areas across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, urging residents to prepare for potential power cuts. The alert is in effect from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday, as Storm Boelo brings travel disruption and a "danger to life" to parts of the country.
Storm Boelo brings 80mph gusts
Very strong westerly winds are expected to batter parts of the country, with widespread gusts of 70mph and up to 80mph in exposed coastal areas. Western Scotland and the north of Northern Ireland will be the worst-affected areas before the wind moves eastwards overnight and into Sunday.
The Met Office warned: "Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life. There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Some damage to buildings and trees, such as tiles blown from roofs and large branches or trees blown over, is likely."
Travel disruption and coastal risks
The warning also highlights significant travel disruption, with the Met Office stating: "Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected. Some roads and bridges likely to close."
Coastal areas face additional risks, as the Met Office noted: "Injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties."
Areas affected and safety advice
The affected regions include Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, North East England, North West England, Northern Ireland, Strathclyde, and SW Scotland, Lothian Borders. Specific local authorities range from Angus and Aberdeen to County Antrim and Glasgow.
In the event of a power cut, the Met Office advises having torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items ready. Residents are also urged to check their fuse box and neighbours first, turn off sensitive electronics and high-risk appliances, and keep fridges and freezers closed to preserve food.
