Storm Boelo is set to bring wind gusts of up to 80mph to exposed coastal areas, with an amber weather warning covering all of Northumberland from Saturday evening. The warning is part of a broader alert affecting most of northern UK, including mainland Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.
Amber warning details
The amber warning for wind is in place from 9pm on Saturday, October 24, until 9pm on Sunday, October 25. It covers all of Northumberland. According to the Met Office, there is a 50-75% chance of significant impact in the warning area, which could include disruption to road and rail travel.
Storm Boelo is the second named storm of the season, following Storm Austen, which is currently affecting southern parts of the UK. Delays have already been reported today due to Storm Austen.
Met Office forecast
The Met Office has issued an updated forecast for the amber warning, stating: "Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph and gusts to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas. The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday."
The forecast adds that high winds will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers. While a yellow warning is in force across a wider area, there is higher confidence in impacts and disruption within the amber warning area. Winds are expected to gradually ease from the west through Sunday.
Yellow warning extended
Other parts of the North East are under a yellow weather warning for wind, which has been brought forward to start from 12pm on Saturday, October 24, and runs until 9pm on Sunday, October 25. The warning has also been extended further south to cover as far as Manchester.
For the extended warning, the Met Office said: "Strong winds will spread across northern parts of the UK during Saturday afternoon, combining with spells of heavy rain. Initially strong southerly winds will affect parts of Scotland before more widespread and even stronger westerly winds develop later on Saturday."
The forecast continues: "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."
The Met Office advises people to "stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences."
