Storm Boelo, the second named storm of autumn, has brought widespread disruption across the UK on Saturday, October 24, with the Environment Agency (EA) issuing six "act now" flood warnings in the northwest of England. The storm has caused heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 80mph, leaving thousands of homes without power and forcing the cancellation of major events, including the Eryri National Park marathon in north Wales.
Six 'Act Now' Warnings Issued
The EA is urging residents in affected areas to avoid low-lying roads and to "start acting on your flood plan if you have one." A regularly updated map shows flood warnings for New Brighton, a seaside resort in the Wallasey suburb of Merseyside, and Astley Bridge in Greater Manchester. Four other warnings cover the Cumbrian coastline, stretching from Saltcoats to Port Carlisle.
The EA states: "High tides, strong winds and large waves are expected to cause flooding this evening." It adds: "Flooding is possible due to high tides and strong winds from Storm Boelo." Residents are advised to avoid seafronts and harbours due to wave overtopping and spray containing debris, and to stay away from coastal roads, footpaths, and car parks due to the ongoing flood risk.
Further Warnings and Weather Forecast
The EA has also issued several "be prepared" flood warnings across the rest of the UK, including in the North West, the Midlands, and the South West. Warnings are also in place on the south coast, with officials continuing to monitor the situation.
The Met Office is forecasting further strong winds and rain from Storm Boelo on Saturday evening and into Sunday morning. Two amber wind warnings are in place until 10am and 9pm on Sunday, alongside two yellow wind warnings and one yellow rain warning.
Amber Warnings Detail
The first amber warning covers County Antrim and County Londonderry in Northern Ireland until 10am. The Met Office says: "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. While strong winds are expected across a wider area with a yellow warning in force, there is higher confidence in impacts and disruption taking place within this amber warning area. The winds will gradually ease from the west during Sunday morning."
The second amber warning, covering Scotland and parts of northern England until 9pm on Sunday, states: "Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected to bring 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 on Saturday evening, spreading eastwards overnight and through Sunday. High winds will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers. Whilst high winds are expected across a wider area with a yellow warning in force, there is a higher confidence in impacts and disruption taking place within this amber warning area. The winds will gradually ease from the southwest through Sunday."
Full List of 'Act Now' Warnings
The six "act now" flood warnings are: Irish Sea at New Brighton; Lee's Bridge at Astley Bridge Central; Cumbrian coastline from St Bees Head to Haverigg, along the coast from North Head to Haverigg; Cumbrian coastline from Silloth to St Bees, between Allonby and Whitehaven; Cumbrian coastline from Silloth to St Bees including Maryport, Flimby, Workington and Whitehaven; and Cumbrian coastline from Gretna to Silloth including Port Carlisle, Skinburness and Rockcliffe.
