Storm Boelo Leaves 90000 Homes Without Power as UK Faces More Wind Warnings

Storm Boelo has left a difficult clean-up behind it, with flooding, damaged property and widespread power disruption still affecting parts of the UK.

The Energy Networks Association has said around 90,000 properties remained without power as of Monday. Repair teams are working across affected areas, but conditions may worsen again as the Met Office warns of another spell of strong winds.

A yellow weather warning is in place from 18:00 on Monday until 03:00 on Tuesday, covering the west coast of England, Wales and Scotland, as well as eastern parts of Northern Ireland. The Met Office has warned that further power cuts are likely in areas under the warning, and has advised people to prepare essentials such as torches and spare batteries.

The clean-up is under way after flooding and damage

The immediate danger from Storm Boelo may have passed in some places, but the impact is still being felt in homes, businesses and local roads.

Flooding can leave behind more than standing water. It can damage flooring, walls, electrics, vehicles and heating systems. Fallen trees and debris can block roads or make pavements unsafe. In rural areas, access issues can slow repairs and make it harder for crews to reach damaged lines.

For households still without electricity, the disruption is especially hard. Power cuts affect heating, lighting, phone charging, cooking, internet access and medical devices that rely on mains power. They can also make it harder to keep up with weather updates and local advice.

The Energy Networks Association, which represents energy network operators, said around 90,000 properties were still without power on Monday. That figure shows the scale of the storm’s impact, even while engineers continue repair work.

More strong winds could slow repairs

The fresh Met Office yellow warning adds another concern. It runs from Monday evening into the early hours of Tuesday, a period when travel is harder and visibility may be worse.

The warning covers a broad stretch of the UK:

• The west coast of England

• Wales

• Scotland’s west coast

• Eastern parts of Northern Ireland

  
  

Yellow warnings do not always mean severe impacts for every location inside the area. They do mean that conditions could cause disruption, and people should take care. In this case, the Met Office has specifically warned that further power cuts are likely in the affected areas.

Strong winds can bring down weakened branches, move loose objects and put extra strain on already damaged infrastructure. Where ground is saturated after heavy rain, trees can be less stable. That can create fresh hazards even after the worst of the original storm has moved through.

For repair crews, safety is a key factor. Work on damaged lines, poles and equipment can be delayed if wind speeds make access unsafe. That means some households may have to wait longer for power to return, particularly in exposed coastal or rural areas.

What to do if the power is still out

For anyone affected by a power cut, the first step is to stay safe and avoid taking risks. Damaged power lines can be extremely dangerous, even if they look inactive.

Keep these essentials ready before the next spell of wind arrives:

• Torches and spare batteries

  Avoid using candles if possible, especially in homes with children, pets or storm damage.

  
  

• Charged phones and power banks

  Charge devices while power is available. If the electricity goes off, switch phones to low-power mode.

  
  

• Warm clothing and blankets

  Homes can cool quickly, especially overnight.

  
  

• Food and water that do not need cooking

  Keep simple supplies available in case cooking appliances stop working.

  
  

• Medication and medical equipment plans

  Anyone who relies on powered medical equipment should follow their supplier’s guidance and check backup arrangements.

  
  

People should also keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage. This helps food stay cold for longer. If food safety becomes uncertain after a long cut, it is safer not to take chances.

In the UK, the number 105 can be used to report a power cut or get information from the local electricity network operator. If there is an immediate danger, such as a fallen power line or a risk to life, call emergency services.

How to prepare before the yellow warning begins

The warning begins at 18:00 on Monday, so preparation matters before evening. A few simple checks can reduce stress if the weather causes more disruption.

Secure loose items outside, including bins, garden furniture, plant pots and temporary covers. These can become hazards in strong winds. If it is safe, clear drains or gullies near the home to help water move away during heavy rain.

Check on neighbours, relatives or friends who may need extra support, especially older people, disabled people or anyone living alone. A quick phone call before power drops can help confirm they have light, warmth and a charged phone.

Drivers should also plan carefully. Strong winds can make exposed routes, bridges and coastal roads more difficult. Fallen branches and local flooding may cause delays. If a journey is not essential during the warning period, delaying it may be the safer choice.

People in areas already hit by Storm Boelo should be cautious around damaged buildings, fences, trees and floodwater. Floodwater can hide sharp objects, lifted drain covers and contamination. It can also be deeper or faster-moving than it looks.

What happens next

The coming hours will be important for both restoration work and public safety. Network operators will continue repairs where conditions allow, while local clean-up teams deal with flooding, debris and property damage.

The key uncertainty is how the next spell of strong winds affects areas already weakened by Storm Boelo. If fresh damage occurs, more properties could lose electricity and some existing repairs may take longer.

For now, the most practical step is preparation. Keep torches, batteries, warm clothing and charged devices ready before the warning period begins. Follow Met Office updates and local advice, and report power problems through the proper channels.

Storm Boelo has already caused serious disruption. With more wind on the way, staying prepared is the best way to get through the next stage safely.