Storm Boelo has battered northern parts of the United Kingdom with powerful winds and heavy rain, leaving tens of thousands of properties without electricity and disrupting flights, rail services and road transport.
More than 82,000 properties were without power as of Sunday morning, October 25, according to the Energy Networks Association. The industry body also reported that almost 350,000 customers had been reconnected following disruptions caused by Storm Austen and Boelo.
The storm brought wind gusts of up to 84mph in parts of Scotland, prompting weather warnings and raising concerns over falling trees, flying debris, flooding and dangerous coastal conditions.
In northern England and Scotland, fallen trees blocked roads and railway lines, while some train services were suspended. Several flights were cancelled or diverted because of the strong winds, including services at Newcastle and Leeds Bradford airports. Flights were also disrupted in Northern Ireland, while some ferry services across the Irish Sea were cancelled.
The storm has also affected public events and tourist attractions. Several venues and outdoor events were closed or cancelled as authorities warned people to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors where conditions were dangerous.
The Met Office issued amber wind warnings for parts of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland, warning that strong gusts and heavy rainfall could continue to pose risks. A man in Scotland was also reported killed after being struck by a falling tree.
Boelo is the second named storm to affect the UK in quick succession, following Storm Austen, which brought strong winds and power cuts to southern parts of the country earlier in the week.
Authorities have urged residents to secure loose outdoor objects, check official weather alerts and confirm travel arrangements with airlines and transport operators before setting out. Engineers are working to restore electricity, although difficult weather conditions could delay repairs in some areas.