New wind warnings cover Scotland as Storm Boelo recovery continues

Two new yellow wind warnings were issued for Scotland on Monday 26 October as another weather system approached and communities dealt with flooding, damaged infrastructure and power cuts left by Storm Boelo, BBC News reported. The warnings extend into Tuesday and also cover parts of northern England and Northern Ireland.

The first warning covers south-west Scotland from 18:00 on Monday until 03:00 on Tuesday 27 October. A second covers most of Scotland, along with parts of northern England and Northern Ireland, from 03:00 to 21:00 on Tuesday. The Met Office said gales and spells of rain could cause further disruption.

Wind and flood risks across Scotland

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency placed the northern and Western Isles, Caithness and Sutherland at amber risk of flooding, the BBC reported. It also warned that low-lying land in parts of the south-west and Argyll was likely to flood amid large waves and strong winds. Highland Council closed flood gates on the Caol and Lochyside protection scheme near Fort William following a warning from the agency.

Power cuts and travel disruption after Storm Boelo

About 15,000 homes served by Scottish and Southern Energy Networks in northern Scotland remained without power on Monday evening, with crews working to reconnect them, according to the BBC. Scottish Power Energy Networks said all but a very small number of its 50,000 customers who had lost power in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway were expected to have service restored by 02:00 on Tuesday.

ScotRail said the vast majority of its services were running normally, but speed restrictions were due to remain on several routes until 16:00 on Tuesday because of heavy rainfall. The affected routes included services between Aberdeen and Inverness, Ayr and Stranraer, and Inverness and Wick or Thurso, the BBC reported. CalMac said west coast ferry services could be disrupted or cancelled at short notice, while NorthLink passengers were advised of possible disruption until Thursday.

All schools and nurseries in the Western Isles will remain shut until Wednesday at the earliest, the BBC reported. Ellon Academy was also due to stay closed on Tuesday after storm damage. Storm Boelo brought flooding and gusts of up to 85 mph (137 km/h) in some areas on Monday.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said disruption was likely to continue beyond the earlier amber weather warning because of further poor weather, fallen trees and other damage. Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told BBC Scotland News that the prolonged conditions posed further challenges and urged councils to review their readiness.