Brief
Scotland issues amber wind warning as Storm Boelo brings 80 mph gusts
An amber wind warning and a yellow rain warning were activated across Scotland on Saturday as Storm Boelo arrived, prompting transport closures and safety alerts.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scotland has been placed under an amber weather warning for wind and a yellow warning for rain as Storm Boelo moves across the country, the Met Office said.
What happened
The amber wind warning, covering almost all of Scotland except the Orkney and Shetland Isles (which retain a yellow wind warning), came into force at 9 pm on Saturday and will remain until 9 pm on Sunday. The yellow rain warning affects central Highlands areas, including Inverness, and ends at 3 pm on Sunday. The Met Office warned of gusts of 60‑70 mph across much of Scotland, with isolated gusts up to 80 mph in exposed coastal locations.
What the reports add
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued 29 flood warnings and 11 less‑severe flood alerts across the country. Rail services in western and northern Scotland have been closed or are set to close, with lines south and west of Kilwinning stopping at 9 pm Saturday, and the Oban, Mallaig, Kyle of Lochalsh‑Achnashellach and Wick‑Helmsdale lines closing later in the night or on Sunday. ScotRail has imposed speed restrictions across much of the network and advised passengers to check travel updates. CalMac cancelled all 30 of its ferry services, with some cancellations extending to Monday.
What was said
"Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph and gusts to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas," the Met Office said. Scottish Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley‑Anne Somerville, chair of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR), said the meeting would continue to "monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public."
How it came about
The warnings follow Storm Austen, which brought heavy rain to much of the UK on Friday. The Met Office had already issued amber and yellow warnings for parts of the UK ahead of both storms. Scottish ministers activated the SGORR on Friday, and transport operators have responded with closures, speed restrictions and ticket‑flexibility measures.
Key facts
- An amber wind warning covers almost all of Scotland, except Orkney and Shetland, from 9 pm Saturday to 9 pm Sunday. (standard.co.uk)
- Gusts of 60‑70 mph are expected across Scotland, with up to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas. (standard.co.uk)
- ScotRail imposed speed restrictions and closed several lines; CalMac cancelled all 30 ferry services. (standard.co.uk)
- SEPA issued 29 flood warnings and 11 flood alerts across Scotland. (standard.co.uk)
- Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley‑Anne Somerville chaired the SGORR meeting to monitor the storm. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Weather warnings for Scotland as Storm Boelo moves in”
