Storm Boelo hits UK as warnings take effect and thousands lose power
Storm Boelo is sweeping across the UK, with the strongest winds expected on Sunday, causing power cuts, travel disruption and event cancellations. The Met Office, the national weather service, warns of damage and dangerous waves.
Storm Boelo struck the United Kingdom on Saturday evening and overnight, and the Met Office, the country's national weather service, warns that the strongest winds are due on Sunday. The worst of the wind first hit western Scotland and is expected to spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday.
National Grid, which operates the electricity network, said on Saturday that power had been restored to more than 124,000 properties since the storm began. Even so, hundreds were still without electricity on Saturday evening, including more than 2,000 in north-west England.
The Met Office says the winds could cause power cuts, flying debris, damage to buildings and trees, and travel disruption, while large waves pose a danger to life. By Saturday evening, gusts of 75mph had been recorded at South Uist Range in the Western Isles.
Transport and flooding
Train and ferry services have been cancelled in Scotland, and police have urged people to avoid unnecessary road journeys. Dozens of flood warnings and alerts are in place, and flooding has closed several roads, including the A78 Inverkip Road in Greenock, the A77 at Lendalfoot in Ayrshire and a number in Dumfries and Galloway.
In Ireland, Dublin Airport has cancelled several inbound and outbound flights, while ferry operators StenaLine, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries have cancelled a number of Irish Sea crossings.
Oil tanker alert
On Saturday afternoon an oil tanker carrying 21 people, sailing 350 nautical miles off the Isle of Mull, sent a distress alert to HM Coastguard because of large swells. A Royal Air Force aircraft was sent and made contact with the vessel. It was determined that no assistance was needed and that the ship would continue its passage.
Events cancelled
Many weekend events have been called off. In Merseyside, the River of Light event was cancelled for a second day, Knowsley Safari Park will close on Sunday, and several markets across the North West have been cancelled. Jason Kelly, the Met Office's chief forecaster, urged people to prepare for disruption, secure loose items outdoors and follow the latest warnings.
