Storm Chloe Threatens UK After Storm Boelo Claims Two Lives and Leaves 160,000 Without Power

Britons are being advised to prepare for more severe weather as Storm Chloe looms on the horizon, following the destructive path of Storm Boelo. The earlier storm brought winds of up to 85mph and heavy downpours across the United Kingdom over the weekend, resulting in two fatalities and leaving approximately 160,000 homes without power.

The Met Office has forecast that rain will sweep across the north-east of Britain on Monday, with Tuesday expected to remain windy and wet. Forecasters anticipate that the strongest winds will affect the northern parts of the UK on Tuesday, with potential gusts of 70mph, prompting a yellow warning.

Storm Boelo, which hit days after the first storm of the autumn season, caused widespread disruption. A 60-year-old man died in Dumfries after being struck by a falling tree, and a man in his 20s lost his life in Mill Hill, north London, when his car was crushed by a falling tree. Coastal areas experienced the most extreme conditions, with wind speeds reaching 85mph in Machrihanish, Scotland.

Flooding also caused significant damage, with towns like Dalmarnock in County Durham and Largs in Ayrshire experiencing submerged streets. One shop owner in Largs described water rising so rapidly it ruined her stock within half an hour.

The Energy Networks Association reported that around 161,400 homes were left without power following Storm Boelo, adding to the more than 800,000 who had experienced power cuts since Storm Austen. Network engineers faced challenges in restoring power due to ongoing severe weather and difficult access to certain areas.

In addition to the fatalities, several people were injured. In Aberfeldy, Northern Ireland, two women were hospitalized after being hit by a fallen tree. In Streatham, south London, two people were taken to the hospital after a section of scaffolding collapsed due to strong winds.

The Met Office attributes the succession of severe weather systems to a particularly active jet stream. Storm Chloe is the next named storm on the 2026-27 list, and an official declaration would be made if conditions warrant an amber or red warning. The amber warning for Storm Boelo concluded on Sunday evening.