Storm Boelo to Bring 75mph Winds to Northern Ireland This Weekend
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for strong winds and heavy showers, with potential disruptions to transport and power supplies.
Northern Ireland is bracing for the arrival of Storm Boelo this weekend, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for strong winds and blustery showers. The warning is in effect from 6:00 PM BST on Saturday until 3:00 PM GMT on Sunday.
Across the region, widespread gusts of up to 60 mph (96 kph) are anticipated. Coastal and more exposed areas could experience even stronger gusts, potentially reaching up to 75 mph (120 kph). These winds will accompany heavy, intermittent showers.
Risk of Disruption
The strong winds pose a risk of disruption to transport networks and essential services. Power outages are possible, which could also affect mobile phone coverage. The Met Office has also warned of a small risk of damage to buildings, such as dislodged roof tiles, and the potential for flying debris to endanger the public.
Travel by road, rail, air, and ferry may face longer journey times or cancellations. Some roads and bridges could be temporarily closed. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with the potential for large waves and beach material to be swept onto seafronts, coastal roads, and nearby properties.
The weather is expected to gradually improve from the southwest on Sunday afternoon as the strongest winds begin to subside.
Preceding Storm Austen
Storm Boelo follows closely on the heels of Storm Austen, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Ireland on Thursday evening and into Friday morning. The Irish weather service Met Éireann has issued an orange rain warning for six counties in the Republic of Ireland, anticipating possible flooding and significant travel disruption. A nationwide yellow warning for rain and wind is also in place for Ireland. While no weather warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland in connection with Storm Austen, widespread rain is expected on Thursday night before clearing on Friday morning.