Storm Boelo swept across the UK on Sunday, leaving two men dead from falling trees and widespread power cuts that affected hundreds of thousands of properties. The severe weather, which followed Storm Austen on Friday, prompted amber and yellow wind warnings and flood alerts across England, Wales and Scotland.
Two Fatalities in London and Scotland
In north London, a man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene after a tree struck his car on Dollis Road in Finchley. The Metropolitan Police were called to the incident at 12:40 GMT. Chief Inspector Guy Ellwood expressed condolences to the man’s family and friends.
A second death occurred in southern Scotland, where a 60-year-old man was hit by a falling tree near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway. Police Scotland reported the fatality and warned against unnecessary road journeys as the storm continued to cause hazardous conditions.
Earlier on Sunday, two women were hospitalised after a tree fell on them in Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross. The incident was reported at 12:50 GMT, shortly after the fatal crash in London.
Power Outages Affect 161,400 Properties
By 15:00 GMT on Sunday, 161,400 properties were without electricity, according to the Energy Networks Association. Across the weekend, Storm Boelo and Storm Austen combined caused power cuts to a total of 838,700 properties.
Engineers faced delays in restoring supply because dangerous conditions prevented them from starting work safely. The ENA explained that crews could not begin repairs until winds had eased enough to allow them to operate.
Girvan experienced power outages throughout Sunday, while other parts of Scotland also reported disruption. The storm’s impact on the electricity network added to the difficulties faced by residents and businesses already dealing with flooding.
Wind Speeds and Weather Warnings
Wind gusts peaked at 85mph in Machrihanish, Argyll and Bute, as the storm moved across the country. Gusts of 84mph were recorded in Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides and at Capel Curig in north Wales.
The Met Office issued an amber wind warning, which remained in place until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. A yellow wind warning also expired at the same time. The Met Office advised people to stay indoors where possible and to avoid areas with trees.
Heavy rain accompanied the strong winds. Cluanie Inn in the Scottish Highlands recorded 130mm of rainfall, adding to the risk of flooding in already saturated areas.
Flooding and Damage on the Clyde Coast
The Clyde coast was particularly hard hit. Businesses in Largs flooded overnight on Saturday, and the road between Skelmorlie and Largs was badly damaged. In Gourock, a boat ended up on the side of a road.
In Dumbarton, a mobile phone shop flooded overnight. The owner, Muhammad Zubair Ashraf, estimated the damage at between £5,000 and £10,000.
Four flood warnings were issued for England and Wales, while 17 flood warnings were in place in Scotland. The Scottish government met on Sunday afternoon to assess the situation and warned that adverse weather could return.
Travel Disruption Across the UK
Ferry services, flights and trains were disrupted across the UK. Airports in Belfast, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dublin experienced disruption, while rail and ferry operators also dealt with the effects of the storm.
Police Scotland advised against unnecessary road journeys as fallen trees and debris continued to block routes. The combination of high winds, flooding and power cuts made travel hazardous in many areas.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the names of the two men who died have not been released. The storm’s long-term impact on infrastructure and communities will become clearer as conditions improve and repair work begins.
