Storm Boelo has arrived in the North East, bringing heavy rain and winds that could reach 80mph, with amber and yellow weather warnings now in force across the region. ChronicleLive is reporting live updates as conditions develop.
A yellow warning covers the North East from 12:00 on 24 October. A second, more serious amber warning runs from 21:00 on 24 October until 21:00 on 25 October, taking in Scotland, north Northumberland, Carlisle and the North East of Northern Ireland. The Met Office says the amber zone faces a chance of power cuts, damage to buildings and trees, and disruption to rail, air and ferry services.
What to expect from the winds
Gusts of 55 to 65mph are likely across a wide area, with coastal and exposed locations in the North of England and Scotland potentially seeing 70 to 80mph or above. According to BBC News, the amber warning covers north and west Cumbria (including Carlisle, Whitehaven and Alston) and Northumberland, including Amble, Wooler and Seahouses.
The Met Office has warned that ‘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.’ Initially southerly winds will affect parts of Scotland before stronger westerly winds develop later in the day.
Northern Powergrid told BBC News it had moved to an increased level of readiness, with extra engineers and support teams on standby and resources deployed to the areas most likely to be affected.
Travel and events disrupted
Forecasters have warned of ‘widespread travel disruption’ to ferries and trains. The Shields Ferry service has been cancelled, and Northern Rail is reducing services with trains not stopping at stations on the Northumberland line. Multiple events across the North East have already been called off for the weekend.
Storm Boelo follows Storm Austen, which struck on 23 October. Channel 4 News reported that Storm Austen left some 18,000 homes in Wales and the South West of England without power and caused 138 schools in England and the Channel Islands to close or open late. Train services across the South East faced disruption, and ferry crossings from Dover and Newhaven did not operate.
Northumberland sits within the amber warning area, where the Met Office says there is a high chance of a significant impact and a chance of danger to life. The amber warning remains in place until 21:00 on 25 October.