Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ warning as 80mph winds batter UK
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings as two powerful storms threaten to cause widespread disruption to large parts of the UK.
Storm Boelo, the latest named storm, is forecast to hit Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England this weekend, with wind gusts potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal areas.
It follows Storm Austen, which is expected to bring dangerous conditions to southern England and Wales today (23 October).
An amber ‘danger to life’ wind warning has been put in place, as the strong winds will lead to large waves and dangerous conditions around the coast of Wales and southwest England.
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People should stay away from cliff edges and well back from stormy seas that can sweep you off your feet, the Met Office says, adding that Brits in 39 areas have been advised to gather batteries and torches.
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong, said: “We’ve updated Amber and Yellow severe weather warnings for Storm Austen.
“This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through. With trees in leaf, it is likely fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways so take extra care on the Friday morning commute.”
Flying debris is ‘likely’, and the storm will ‘probably’ bring some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs. Mobile phone coverage and the power supply could also be affected.
Now, for this weekend, forecasters warn that Storm Boelo will intensify as it crosses the Atlantic, driven by a powerful jet stream, before reaching Northern Ireland and western Scotland on Saturday afternoon.
Winds of 55-65mph are expected, with gusts reaching 70-80mph along exposed coastlines and higher ground.
A Yellow wind warning covering mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and northern England will remain in force from 6pm Saturday until 9pm Sunday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer, said: “Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen.
“Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely.
“The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather.
“Severe weather warnings and forecast detail will continue to develop, so people should keep up to date with the forecast over the next few days.”
What do the weather warning colours mean?
- Red Warning: Dangerous weather expected, with a high risk to life, major disruption and property damage.
- Amber Warning: Severe weather may cause significant disruption, travel delays, power cuts and potential risks to life and property.
- Yellow Warning: Weather may cause disruption, as the Met Office urges to check the warning updates.
Anish Vij