Yellow wind and rain warnings issued as Storm Boelo hits UK
Greater Anglia has also told passengers not to travel to Harwich Town
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind and rain as Storm Boelo brings a very windy and wet spell this weekend.
Wind warning
The yellow wind warning is in force from 12pm on Saturday 24th October until 9pm on Sunday 25th October.
The Met Office said strong winds will spread across northern parts of the UK on Saturday afternoon, combined with spells of heavy rain.
Strong southerly winds will first affect parts of Scotland. Stronger westerly winds will then develop more widely later on Saturday.
Very windy conditions will continue overnight and through much of Sunday, before gradually easing from the southwest later.
Gusts of 55-65mph are likely widely. Some coastal and exposed areas could see gusts of 70-80mph or more, most likely across Scotland and the far north of England.
The Met Office said the warning has a medium likelihood (25-50%) and a significant impact. It was extended further south across northern England and into north Wales on Saturday morning.
The warning covers parts of:
- North East England
- North West England
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- The East Midlands
- The West Midlands (Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent)
- North Wales
The Met Office said people should expect:
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- Some damage to buildings and trees is possible, such as tiles blown from roofs and large branches or trees blown over
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Power cuts may occur, which could affect other services such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
Rain warning
The yellow rain warning is in force from 11am to 11pm on Saturday 24th October.
The Met Office said heavy rain linked to Storm Boelo is expected to lead to surface water flooding in places.
Around 25-30mm is expected widely across the warning area. A few places, such as upland areas, could see 50-60mm, and some of that rain may fall within six hours.
Rain will ease for a time through the evening, followed by another intense band of heavy rain from the west. The system will then clear eastward, leaving a clear night with a few scattered showers.
The warning has a high likelihood (50-75%) and a moderate impact. It covers parts of:
- South East England, including Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, East Sussex, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight
- South West England, including Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset
- North West England
- Wales
- Herefordshire and Shropshire
- North Yorkshire
The Met Office said people should expect:
- Spray and flooding on roads, probably making journey times longer
- Bus and train services probably affected, with longer journey times
- Some interruption to power supplies and other services
- Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible
Advice
For both warnings, the Met Office advises people to check road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, and to change travel plans if necessary.
It also suggests preparing for power cuts by gathering torches, batteries and a mobile phone power pack.
For the wind warning, it advises people to check for loose items outside their home and plan how to secure them, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.
People on the coast are advised to be aware of large waves. Large breaking waves can sweep people off their feet and out to sea, and anyone walking near cliffs should know their route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
For the rain warning, it advises people to check whether their property could be at risk of flooding and to consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
The Met Office also said warnings can change quickly, and people should keep up to date with the forecast for their area.
Travel Disruption
Greater Anglia has told passengers not to travel between Manningtree and Harwich Town.
The train operator said it received reports of damage to the overhead electric wires on the route. It found that a tree had fallen and damaged the wires.
Network Rail engineers are working to repair the wires and restore power to the line as quickly as possible.
Tickets for travel on 23rd October and Saturday 24th October will be valid for travel on Sunday 25th October.