Storm Boelo latest: Hundreds of flights cancelled as 80mph winds batter UK and ‘danger to life’ warnings issued

Storm Boelo latest: ‘Danger to life’ warnings issued as 80mph winds batter UK and more flights cancelled Ferry and train services have also been halted as Storm Boelo hurtles towards UK bringing heavy rain and gales - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join todayAlready a member? Log in More than 1,500 flights have been delayed and train services disrupted after Storm Boelo hit the UK with winds of up to 80mph, triggering “danger to life” weather warnings. Flights to and from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, have been delayed by an average of two hours amid severe weather conditions. The Met Office issued amber weather warnings for far north of England, Scotland and the north-east of Northern Ireland on Saturday night. It said gusts of 60-70mph were expected widely, with winds potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal locations. Scotland’s environmental watchdog issued 29 flood warnings and 11 less severe flood alerts as Storm Boelo brought heavy rain and powerful winds to the country. Ferry services between Ireland and Pembrokeshire have also been halted, while more than a dozen rail services have been cancelled on Scotland’s west coast. The travel chaos comes immediately after Storm Austen caused disruption on Friday, leaving thousands of homes without power in Cornwall and forcing schools to close. Storm Boelo: Planes battle strong winds as they attempt to land at Heathrow Nearly 30 flood warnings issued across Scotland amid heavy rain Scotland's environmental watchdog has issued 29 flood warnings and 11 less severe flood alerts as Storm Boelo brings heavy rain and powerful winds to the country. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warnings and alerts in place across Scotland amid concerns over rising water levels and flooding. A yellow rain warning covering central parts of the Highlands, including Inverness, came into force at 9pm on Saturday and is expected to remain in place until 3pm on Sunday. “Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph and gusts to 80mph in exposed coastal areas,” the Met Office said. “The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday.” The latest warnings come just a day after Storm Austen brought heavy rainfall to much of the UK. Wind warning across Scotland An amber weather warning for wind across Scotland and a yellow warning for rain for parts of the country have come into force in response to Storm Boelo. The amber wind warning affects almost all of Scotland, with the exception of Orkney and the Shetland Isles, although Orkney still has a yellow wind warning in place.It came into force at 9pm, and is to remain in place until 9pm on Sunday. The yellow rain warning that came into force concurrently affects central parts of the Highlands, including Inverness, and will be called off at 3pm on Sunday.It comes after Storm Austen brought heavy rain to much of the UK on Friday. The Met Office has warned of potential injuries and danger to life from flying debris as well as a chance of damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.“ Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph and gusts to 80mph in exposed coastal areas,” the Met Office said. “The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday.” Storm Boelo disrupts flights at Dublin airport Storm Boelo’s strong winds disrupted flights at Dublin Airport, where as of 4pm on Saturday, nine outbound and 10 inbound flights had been cancelled by airlines because of weather issues. It also reported that six inbound flights performed go-arounds – five of which landed on the second attempt, with the other diverting to another airport before returning a short time later. A Dublin Airport spokesman warned “winds are forecast to remain strong for the rest of the day, which may lead to further disruption”. What’s in a name? How and why we give storms human titles The UK is braced for its second storm of the season just a day after Storm Austen passed. Flights have been grounded after the Met Office issued fresh “danger to life” weather warnings ahead of Storm Boelo. Dublin Airport announced several cancellations and delays on Saturday as this second storm hurtled towards the UK and Ireland, bringing heavy rains and gales. But why have these storms been called Austen and Boelo? Why are storms named, and how does the naming system work? Here is what you need to know: What’s in a name? How and why we give storms human titles Passengers advised not to take North West trains on Sunday Severe weather is disrupting a lot of train lines in the north of England on Sunday. Delays are expected on the journey between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly, as well as the route from Leeds to Manchester Victoria. Services in Stoke, Maccersfield, Blackpool, Preston and Wigan also face serious disruption tomorrow. Poole man 'lucky to be alive' after falling tree crushes car A man says he is "lucky to be alive" after a large oak tree came down during Storm Austen, crushing his car while he was inside it. Pete Smith was waiting at a temporary traffic light in his black BMW 4-series in Swanage, Dorset, on Friday when the 75mph gusts blew down the 50ft oak tree. The 63 year-old financier said he heard a "giant bang" and there was smashed glass and tree everywhere. Storm Austen: Poole man 'lucky to be alive' after falling tree crushes car Trains cancelled on LNER services due to Storm LNER train line has said that most trains operating to and from Aberdeen will be cancelled on Sunday due to Storm Boelo. A reduced service will also be operating between Northallerton and Darlington, and Newcastle and Edinburgh on Sunday. LNER said that “due to the severity of the weather and expected road closures, rail replacement coaches will not be available”. They added: “As other operators are also impacted, it will not be possible to travel with a different train company”. Watch: Railway workers repair overhead lines after Storm Austen damage in Essex .mp4 Met forecaster: Plan ahead and prepare for disruption Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Storm Boelo will be felt across the UK this weekend, with the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption in the north.“ “Amber warnings are in place across mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, where gusts of 60-70mph are expected widely, with the potential for 80mph in exposed coastal locations. “Strong winds will also affect other parts of the UK, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in places. Heavy rain will provide an additional hazard, particularly in the north, bringing the potential for further impacts. “People should prepare for the potential for disruption, particularly to travel and power supplies.” People should secure loose items outside, plan ahead if they are travelling and keep an eye on the latest forecast and warnings, he advised. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments