Storm Boelo: Amber wind warning issued for Counties Antrim and Londonderry as 80mph gusts forecast
An Amber weather warning has been issued for parts of Northern Ireland as Storm Boelo approaches, with winds potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal areas and an increased risk of disruption over the weekend.
The Met Office has escalated its warning for parts of Counties Antrim and Londonderry, while a separate Yellow wind warning has been extended to cover all six counties from Saturday morning.
The latest forecasts indicate that strong winds will arrive earlier than previously expected, with conditions deteriorating through Saturday and remaining very windy overnight into Sunday.
Amber warning for Antrim and Londonderry
The Amber warning takes effect at 9pm on Saturday 24 October and remains in place until 9pm on Sunday 25 October.
Very strong westerly winds are expected to produce fairly widespread gusts of 60–70mph within the Amber warning area, with speeds potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal locations.
According to the Met Office, the strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening before spreading eastwards overnight and through Sunday.
The warning highlights a higher level of confidence that disruption and impacts will occur in the Amber warning area compared with locations covered only by the Yellow warning.
High winds will also be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers, adding to the challenging conditions.
Yellow warning now begins Saturday morning
The Yellow wind warning covering all of Northern Ireland has been brought forward and will now begin at 10am on Saturday 24 October, remaining in place until midday on Sunday 25 October.
Initially, strong southerly winds will develop on Saturday morning before stronger westerly winds arrive later in the day.
Gusts of 50–60mph are expected widely, with coastal and exposed areas potentially experiencing winds of 65–75mph.
Very windy conditions will continue overnight, before gradually easing from the southwest during Sunday morning.
The Yellow warning covers Counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone, meaning communities throughout Northern Ireland should prepare for potentially disruptive weather.
Residents urged to prepare ahead of the storm
With the strongest winds forecast for Saturday evening and Sunday, residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and take precautions before conditions deteriorate.
The Met Office recommends checking bins, plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines and sheds to reduce the risk of damage or injury from objects being blown around.
People travelling during the warning periods should remain alert to changing conditions, particularly on exposed roads and in coastal areas.
The latest weather warnings and updates are available at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings
Clocks go back during storm warnings
Residents are also reminded that the clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October, marking the end of British Summer Time.
The Yellow warning therefore begins at 10am BST on Saturday and ends at midday GMT on Sunday, while the Amber warning runs from 9pm BST on Saturday until 9pm GMT on Sunday.
With the Amber warning continuing beyond the end of the wider Yellow warning, residents in affected parts of Antrim and Londonderry should remain alert to potentially dangerous conditions throughout Sunday evening.
