Storm Boelo brings 80mph gusts and transport shutdowns across Scotland
Storm Boelo is delivering strong westerly winds of up to 80 mph in coastal Scotland, prompting rail closures, speed limits and ferry cancellations.
Forecasters have issued a yellow wind warning for most of Scotland as Storm Boelo arrives, following heavy rain from Storm Austen. The Met Office expects gusts of 60-70 mph broadly and up to 80 mph on exposed coastlines. Rail operators are shutting the Kyle of Lochalsh-Achnashellach and Wick-Helmsdale lines and applying speed limits on the Far North Line, potentially lasting into Monday.
CalMac has cancelled 14 of its 30 ferry services, with remaining routes facing disruptions. Scottish ministers have activated the Resilience Room, chaired by Shirley-Anne Somerville, to monitor the situation. Edinburgh’s public gardens and castle are closed, and the Paisley Halloween Festival and Pitlochry’s Enchanted Forest event have been called off.
Why it matters
Severe winds threaten travel, public safety and local events across Scotland this weekend.
How this story developed
- Oct 17 Met Office warns of unsettled autumn weather and cooler London nights
- Oct 20 The Met Office warns that Storm Austen will bring wind gusts of 50-60mph to much of southern Britain, with the strongest coastal areas possibly seeing speeds over 70mph.
- Oct 22 Met Office expanded the yellow wind warning to cover all of Wales, forecasting gusts of 70 mph or higher.
- Oct 23 The country has remained storm‑free and is experiencing drought conditions.
- Oct 23 Storm Austen moved into France and Belgium, causing power outages and transport disruptions, while Storm Boelo prompted amber wind warnings and rail service suspensions in Scotland.
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