Storm Boelo: Amber Wind Warning Issued for Northern England

The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, has issued an amber wind warning for Cumbria in north-west England and for the north-east of the country as Storm Boelo approaches. The warning signals a heightened risk to people and infrastructure.

It runs for 24 hours from 21:00 BST on Saturday. It covers north and west Cumbria, including Carlisle, Whitehaven and Alston, as well as Northumberland and County Durham, where Allendale, Barnard Castle and Stanhope are included.

Expected risks

The Met Office says power cuts, damage to buildings and trees, and disruption to rail, air and ferry services are possible. It forecasts very strong westerly winds, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph and gusts of up to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas.

Some train services have already been cancelled, and a number of visitor attractions have announced they will stay closed on Sunday because of the forecast winds.

Other warnings

In addition to the amber alert, a yellow wind warning applies across all of Cumbria and the North East from 12:00 on Saturday until Sunday evening. A yellow warning for heavy rain also covers Cumbria from 11:00 to 23:00 on Saturday.

Four flood warnings are in force along the Cumbrian coast. The areas at greatest risk are Allonby, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Parton and the Whitehaven area, from 21:00 BST until 01:00 GMT on Sunday. The Environment Agency is closing flood gates at Maryport and Flimby and has urged people to avoid seafronts and harbours.