UK braces for worst of Storm Boelo as amber warnings due to come into force

Amber weather warnings are due to come into force in northern parts of the UK as the worst weather from Storm Boelo approaches.

Strong winds and heavy showers are expected to intensify through Saturday evening, with widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph expected to hit Scotland.

Amber wind warnings from the Met Office will come into force from 21:00 BST for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, bringing an increased risk of travel disruption and potential risk to life.

The second named storm in as many days comes as National Grid continues to restore power to thousands of properties in south-west England after the area was hit hardest by Storm Austen.

The National Grid said on Saturday that more than 124,000 properties had been restored with power supplies since the beginning of the storm. However, hundreds were still without power on Saturday evening.

Storm Boelo is set to cause disruption throughout the rest of the weekend, with the amber warning in Scotland due to stay in place for 24 hours.

Forecasters have warned of strong winds with gusts to 80mph expected in exposed coastal areas.

These winds could cause power cuts, flying debris, damage to buildings and trees, travel disruption and danger to life from large waves, the Met Office said.

The strongest winds will affect western Scotland first on Saturday evening, before spreading eastwards overnight and through Sunday.

The Met Office has warned that being outside in high winds could make people "more vulnerable to injury", stating: "Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees."

Parts of Northern Ireland have also been issued with an amber warning, from 21:00 on Saturday to 10:00 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, yellow rain warnings have been issued for the south-west, north-west and south-east of England, the West Midlands and Wales until 23:00 on Saturday.

Much of the north of England and Scotland has a yellow wind warning in place, which is set to last until 21:00 on Sunday, and Northern Ireland's yellow wind warning will be in place until midday on Sunday.

Jason Kelly, the Met Office's chief forecaster, said: "People should prepare for the potential for disruption, particularly to travel and power supplies. Secure loose items outside, plan ahead if you are travelling and keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings for your area."