Amber wind warning in place as storm hits
Northumberland County CouncilAn amber warning for wind has been issued for parts of Cumbria and the north-east of England as the region braces itself for Storm Boelo.
High winds are expected to batter north and west Cumbria, including Carlisle, Whitehaven and Alston, also hitting Northumberland and County Durham, with Allendale, Barnard Castle and Stanhope covered by the warning.
The Met Office warning, in place for 24 hours from 21:00 BST on Saturday, means there is a chance of power cuts, damage to buildings and trees, disruption to rail, air and ferry services.
Some rail services have been cancelled and a number of visitor attractions have said they would not be opening on Sunday due to the high winds forecast.
The Met Office said: "Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph and gusts to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas."
A yellow warning for wind is also in place from 12:00 on Saturday, ending on Sunday evening across the whole of Cumbria and the North East, with a yellow warning for heavy rain covering Cumbria from 11:00 until 23:00 on Saturday.
There are four flood warnings in place stretching along the Cumbrian coastline, with areas most at risk including Allonby, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Parton and the Whitehaven area from 21:00 BST to 01:00 GMT on Sunday.
The Environment Agency said it was closing flood gates at Maryport and Flimby and urged people to avoid seafronts and harbours.
Travel advice
On Saturday evening, SP Electricity North West reported about 1,258 homes in Carlisle were without power, with issues expected to last until around 21:00 BST.
Also affected were:
- 186 homes in Ravenstonedale, Eden, until about 21:15 on Saturday
- 69 homes in Skelton, Eden, until about 14:00 on Sunday
- 60 homes in Crosthwaite And Lyth, South Lakeland, until about 21:45 on Saturday
- 54 homes in Above Derwent, Allerdale, until about 21:00 on Saturday
- 50 homes in Lakes, South Lakeland, until about 23:30 on Saturday
- 36 homes in Setmurthy, Allerdale, until about 20:45 on Saturday
- 35 homes in Skelton, Eden, with time of restoration unknown
- 15 homes in Urswick, South Lakeland, until about 21:00 on Saturday
- 13 homes in Claife, South Lakeland, until about 21:15 on Saturday
Northern Powergrid said it was prepared for Storm Boelo and had moved to an increased level of readiness to minimise the risk of disruption.
This included extra engineers and support teams on standby, and the deployment of resources and equipment to the areas most likely to be affected.
Trees have been blocked roads in Cumbria and in Northumberland, as winds continue to batter the North.
In Cumbria, people have been warned not to travel between Carlisle and Whitehaven as no trains will be running from 21:00 on Saturday, and there will be no bus replacement service.
Northern Trains also advised anyone planning on travelling earlier to check in advance in case of partial stoppages or cancellations.
The Gateshead FC match scheduled to take place at 19:45 on Friday against Tamworth FC was postponed after heavy rainfall led to the playing area "becoming unplayable".
In a statement, the club said: "The fixture will be rearranged in due course."
PA MediaA number of visitor attractions run by the National Trust have warned of closures on Sunday.
These include Gibside, Cragside, and Seaton Delaval Hall, which will also close at the earlier time of 14:00 BST on Saturday.
RNLI Redcar issued a warning for walkers in the area.
In a social media post, the rescue team said: "If you are walking along cliffs or our beaches and sea walls please take care.
"Stay away from crashing waves and if you think you see anyone in trouble in the water do not hesitate, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
