Storm Boelo to bring strong winds this weekend as Met Office issues further warning for next week
Saturday 24 October 2026
Northern Ireland is bracing for potentially damaging winds from Storm Boelo this weekend, with gusts reaching 80mph in exposed coastal areas, as the Met Office issues a further weather warning for Tuesday.
An amber wind warning covering County Antrim and County Londonderry will be in force from 9pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday, with widespread disruption possible as the strongest winds sweep across the region overnight.
The latest forecast indicates gusts of 60–70mph across much of the amber warning area, rising to 80mph in exposed coastal locations. Strong winds are also expected across a wider area covered by a yellow warning.
Amber warning updated as Storm Boelo approaches
The Met Office has updated its existing amber warning to reflect the expectation that winds will ease across Northern Ireland earlier than in other parts of the UK.
Very strong westerly winds are forecast to develop during Saturday evening, continuing overnight before gradually easing from the west on Sunday morning.
The Met Office says there is greater confidence that damaging winds will cause impacts and disruption within the amber warning area, although strong conditions are expected beyond its boundaries.
Residents are advised to be prepared for possible travel disruption and hazardous conditions, particularly in exposed locations and along the coast.
RNLI Larne issues urgent coastal safety advice
RNLI Larne lifeboat at sea. (Image: Jason Bain)
With dangerous conditions expected around Northern Ireland's coastline, RNLI Larne is urging people to avoid unnecessary risks and remain well clear of the water.
The charity warns that powerful winds and waves could knock people off their feet or sweep them into the sea.
In its safety message, RNLI Larne said:
“Storm Boelo is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.”
The RNLI is also reminding the public of its Float to Live advice, which could save lives if someone unexpectedly enters the water.
What to do if you fall into the water
Anyone finding themselves in difficulty in the water should follow the RNLI's Float to Live guidance:
• Tilt your head back, keeping your ears submerged.
• Relax and try to breathe normally.
• Move your hands and legs gently to help stay afloat.
• Do not panic if your legs sink, as everyone floats differently.
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
The RNLI also stresses that people should never enter the water themselves to rescue someone in difficulty.
Instead, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
• Tell the person in difficulty to float on their back.
• Throw something buoyant, such as a life ring, to help them stay afloat.
Further wind warning issued for Tuesday
The unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week, with the Met Office issuing a separate yellow warning for Tuesday 27 October.
The warning covers County Antrim, County Londonderry and County Down, running from 3am until 11.59pm on Tuesday.
Strong west to southwesterly winds are forecast to spread across northern Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England, bringing the possibility of further damaging gusts and transport disruption.
Winds of 50–60mph are possible quite widely, with gusts of 70mph or more in some coastal and exposed areas.
The Met Office cautions that there remains uncertainty over exactly where the strongest winds will occur and how severe the peak gusts will be.
Conditions are expected to improve from the southwest later on Tuesday, although northern Scotland could experience strong winds for longer.
PSNI urges motorists to take extra care
Police are warning motorists across Northern Ireland to prepare for potentially hazardous driving conditions as Storm Boelo brings strong winds, heavy surface water and possible disruption to the road network.
The PSNI has advised drivers to reduce their speed, allow additional time for journeys and avoid driving through floodwater.
In a statement, police said:
“We are advising motorists that traffic disruption is possible and you should take extra care if you must travel.
“Please reduce your speed because of the possibility of surface water and avoid driving through flood water. It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place - road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Your journey may take longer than normal.”
Motorists should also be prepared for possible road closures and temporary traffic restrictions as conditions deteriorate.
Emergency contact numbers for Northern Ireland
Residents experiencing storm-related problems can contact the following emergency and public services:
• Emergency Services: 999 or 112
• Police Non-Emergency: 101
• Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100
• NI Water: 0345 744 0088
• DfI Roads: 0300 200 7899
• Rivers Agency: 028 9025 3355
• Gas Emergency: 0800 002 001
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive: 0344 892 0900
• NIE Networks: 03457 643 643
Anyone facing an immediate threat to life or serious danger should call 999 or 112. Other numbers are intended for reporting relevant flooding, utility, housing or infrastructure problems.
Two periods of potentially disruptive weather
The latest warnings mean residents across County Antrim, including Ballymena and surrounding communities, face the prospect of two separate periods of strong winds within four days.
The immediate concern is Storm Boelo's arrival on Saturday evening, particularly for coastal communities where the strongest gusts are expected. Tuesday's warning raises the possibility of further disruption before the region has fully recovered from the weekend's weather.
People planning journeys or visits to coastal areas should monitor updated Met Office forecasts and travel information, with particular care needed during the amber warning overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning.
