UK's second storm of the season named as 53 areas issued 'danger to life' warning

Flying debris and large waves could pose a risk to people’s lives.

(file picture) The second storm of the season in the UK has been named (Image: Getty)

The Met Office has named the second storm of the season, and is set to hit the UK this weekend. Storm Boelo is bringing a very windy spell on Saturday and Sunday, with some disruption possible across parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England. The yellow wind weather warning comes into place at 6pm on Saturday. It will run for 27 hours until 9pm on Sunday on some areas in Scotland and England, and until 4pm on Sunday in Northern Ireland. A spell of strong westerly winds could see gusts hit 80mph over some coastal or exposed areas, while gusts of 50-60 mph are expected more widely.

When Boelo hits, it will bring “strong winds and heavy rain across the UK on Saturday”, the Met Office said. It will hit Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England the hardest.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Strong westerly winds will spread across northern parts of the UK during Saturday evening. Very windy conditions will persist overnight and through much of Sunday before gradually easing from the southwest later.”

Strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain, these most frequent over western Scotland. The weather agency says this warning has a medium likelihood of 25-50% and will have a significant impact.

The Met Office has warned that power cuts could occur, potentially disrupting other services, including mobile phone coverage. Residents in areas covered by the weather warning have been advised to prepare by gathering essential supplies, including torches, batteries and portable phone chargers.

They have also been urged to take precautions to protect their property and minimise the risk of injury during the severe weather. Brits are also advised to check road conditions before driving, as well as bus and train timetables, to minimise disruption and amend their travel plans if necessary.

Those along the coast should be aware of large waves, the Met Office warned. People walking near cliffs should take care, ensure they know their route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The warning read: “There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.” Danger to life risk could also be presented by flying debris, the national forecaster said.

Boelo’s arrival comes less than 48 hours after the announcement of the first named storm, Austen, which is set to hit on Friday. Storm Austen has triggered an amber “danger to life” warning for winds of up to 80mph in parts of south-west England.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer, said Storm Boelo will affect “the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen”, as strong winds and heavy rain create “an impactful weekend of weather”.

Met Office yellow wind weather warning for Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England