'Danger to life' - Major Met Office weather warning as Storm Boelo batters Fylde coast

Blackpool and the Fylde coast is set for an unsettled and windy weekend as Storm Boelo brings the threat of heavy rain, powerful gusts and disruption to travel, with amber weather warnings for wind issued across parts of northern England.

The strongest winds are expected from Saturday evening, extending eastwards through Sunday, with widespread gusts of 60-70mph forecast within the amber warning area. Exposed coastal locations could experience gusts of up to 80mph.

The amber warning sits alongside wider yellow warnings extending further south into England and north Wales, and covering the whole of Northern Ireland.

Forecasters have warned of possible power cuts, damage to buildings and trees, and disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services. There is also a risk of dangerous coastal conditions, with large waves and beach material potentially being thrown onto coastal roads, seafronts and properties.

Blackpool weather forecast

Tonight will remain unsettled and windy, with cloudy skies and scattered blustery showers moving in from the west. Showers are expected to become more frequent around dawn.

Sunday will remain unsettled, although conditions are expected to be somewhat less windy. The forecast points to a mixture of patchy cloud, sunny spells and blustery showers arriving from the west.

Amber warning: Storm Boelo brings risk of damaging winds

Amber weather warnings have been issued for Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and northern England, with the strongest winds expected overnight on Saturday and into Sunday.

The warning highlights the potential for significant disruption, including:

• Power cuts: There is a good chance of power cuts, which could affect other services, including mobile phone coverage.
• Flying debris: Debris is likely to be blown around, potentially causing injuries or danger to life.
• Damage to buildings and trees: Roof tiles could be blown off, while large branches and trees may be brought down.
• Travel disruption: Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, with road, rail, air and ferry services potentially affected.
• Road closures: Some roads and bridges are likely to close.
• Dangerous coastal conditions: Large waves and beach material could be thrown onto coastal roads, seafronts and properties, creating a risk of injuries and danger to life.

Residents are being warned to take care as the storm moves across the country, particularly in exposed areas and along the coast.

Yellow warning for rain and flooding

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain highlights a high likelihood of moderate impacts from surface water flooding. The expected effects include spray and flooding on roads, which could make journeys take longer. Bus and train services are also likely to be affected, with delays and extended journey times.

Some interruptions to power supplies and other services are possible, while flooding could affect a small number of homes and businesses. The rain warning adds to the potential for disruption as strong winds move across the region.

Storm Boelo follows Storm Austen

Storm Boelo follows Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, which brought strong winds to parts of the UK on Friday. Gusts of 76mph were recorded at St Mary’s Airport in the Isles of Scilly, while Aberporth in south Wales recorded gusts of 74mph and Culdrose in Cornwall recorded 71mph.

With Storm Boelo expected to bring further severe weather over Saturday night and Sunday, the combination of strong winds, heavy rain and hazardous coastal conditions could make for a disruptive weekend across affected parts of the UK.