Storm Boelo Set to Hit UK After Austen Brings 70mph Winds

The UK is facing back-to-back named storms, with Storm Boelo expected to sweep in over the weekend shortly after Storm Austen brings a spell of damaging winds to parts of the south-west.

The Met Office has named Storm Boelo as the next system set to bring wet and windy weather across the country on Saturday. It follows Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, which is forecast to hit south-west England during Friday morning.

For many areas, this means a rough end to the working week and a difficult start to the weekend. Strong gusts, heavy rain, surface water and spray on faster roads are all likely to make travel more hazardous than usual.

Coastal areas are likely to feel the strongest winds as the storms move through.

Storm Austen will bring the first major hit on Friday

Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds to south-west England on Friday morning, with the most serious conditions focused on Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Plymouth and parts of Devon.

The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for these areas, valid from 1am to 10am on Friday. Amber warnings are used when weather may cause a greater risk to life and property, and when disruption is more likely.

Gusts are expected to widely reach 60 to 70mph, with the chance of 80mph in exposed locations. Coastal routes, high ground and open stretches are most likely to see the strongest winds.

This kind of wind can cause:

• Loose outdoor items to be blown around

• Damage to trees, fences and temporary structures

• Difficult driving conditions, especially for high-sided vehicles

• Delays to public transport and ferry services

• Dangerous conditions near coasts, cliffs and exposed promenades

  
  

The timing also matters. With the warning covering the early hours and the Friday morning commute, some disruption could happen before many people are fully aware of conditions outside.

Storm Boelo is set to bring a wider spell of bad weather

Once Storm Austen clears through, attention turns quickly to Storm Boelo Set to Hit UK After Austen Brings 70mph Winds as the next phase of unsettled weather arrives.

Storm Boelo is forecast to affect the whole of the UK on Saturday, bringing a mix of rain and strong winds. While the exact impacts will vary by region, the broad picture is clear: Saturday is likely to be wet, windy and unpleasant for travel.

The main issue may not be wind alone. Rain falling on already damp roads can lead to surface water, and spray can quickly reduce visibility on motorways and faster A-roads. That makes braking distances longer and journeys more tiring.

Drivers should be ready for changing conditions, especially on exposed routes, bridges, rural roads and stretches where water tends to collect. Even where winds are not severe, heavy rain and standing water can create problems.

Travel could be difficult across the weekend

Stormy weekends often cause more disruption than people expect. Many journeys are not essential, but they still happen: shopping trips, family visits, sports fixtures, airport runs and early Christmas plans can all be affected when poor weather arrives on a Saturday.

The risk from Storm Boelo is likely to centre on poor travelling conditions linked to rain, spray and strong winds. Motorways may remain open, but that does not mean they will feel safe or easy to use.

Before setting off, it is sensible to:

• Check the latest Met Office warnings for your area

• Look at travel updates from train, ferry and road operators

• Allow extra time for journeys

• Avoid coastal roads during the worst of the wind if possible

• Keep both hands on the wheel in gusty conditions

• Slow down where spray reduces visibility

• Leave more space than usual from the vehicle in front

  
  

Public transport may also be affected. Trains can be delayed by fallen branches or speed restrictions, while ferries and flights can face disruption when winds are strong. If travelling to a station, port or airport, check the operator’s updates before leaving home.

Surface water and spray can make faster roads more difficult during Storm Boelo.

How to prepare before the storms arrive

A few quick checks can reduce the risk of damage or delay. The most useful preparations are simple and take only a short time.

At home, bring in or secure anything that could move in strong winds. That includes bins, garden furniture, plant pots, trampolines, loose signs and lightweight decorations. If you have time, check that gutters and drains are clear enough to cope with heavy rain.

If you live near the coast, avoid taking unnecessary risks to watch waves. Large waves can overtop sea walls and sweep across promenades without warning. The most dramatic view is rarely worth the danger.

For driving, make sure your car is ready for poor weather. Check fuel or charge levels, tyres, screenwash, lights and wipers. Carrying a coat, water and a phone charger is also sensible if you have a longer journey planned.

People in areas covered by the amber warning should take the forecast seriously. Winds near 70mph, and possibly higher in exposed spots, can make normal outdoor tasks unsafe. If something can wait until conditions ease, it probably should.

The key takeaway for Friday and Saturday

The UK is heading into a stormy spell, with Storm Austen bringing the first round of severe winds to the south-west on Friday morning and Storm Boelo following with wet and windy weather across the country on Saturday.

The highest wind risk from Austen is focused on Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Plymouth and parts of Devon, where an amber warning is in force between 1am and 10am on Friday. Boelo then brings a broader risk of difficult travel conditions, especially where rain, spray and surface water affect faster roads.

The safest approach is to keep plans flexible, check the latest warnings before travelling and prepare early rather than waiting until the weather has already turned.