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Storm Boelo brings 93 Scotland power cuts, flight delays

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 3:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Storm Boelo Disrupts

Storm Boelo caused travel disruptions and power outages across northern Scotland, Northern Ireland and England on Sunday.
The Met Office recorded gusts of 82 mph on Tiree and 80 mph on Islay.
SSEN reported 93 unplanned power cuts in Scotland by 10 a.m. Sunday.
Hundreds of flights at Dublin, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow faced delays Sunday.
River of Light, Diwali on the Square and Edinburgh Castle events were cancelled for safety.

Summary

Scottish Government Activates

The Scottish Government activated its Resilience Room, chaired by Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.
Police Scotland deputy head Andy Barclay warned drivers against unnecessary journeys due to hazardous conditions.
Historic Environment Scotland closed castles and heritage sites such as Edinburgh, Stirling, Aberdour, Caerlaverock, Skara Brae, Inchmahome Priory.
RNLI water safety lead Michael Avril urged extreme caution near coastlines, warning of being knocked off feet.

History

Historical Context

The Great Storm of October 1987, when 115 mph winds battered southern England and northern France, toppled trees, shattered windows, and left 15,000 homes without electricity. The Met Office recorded a peak gust of 115 mph at the Isle of Wight, and the Department for Transport reported £1.5 billion in damages. Today's Storm Boelo mirrors that historic gale, with the Met Office noting 82 mph gusts on Tiree, SSEN logging 93 power cuts, and Heathrow cancelling flights. Consequently, Scottish authorities reactivated the Resilience Room, echoing 1987’s emergency coordination, to safeguard heritage sites and coordinate emergency services.

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Storm Boelo Disrupts

Storm Boelo caused travel disruptions and power outages across northern Scotland, Northern Ireland and England on Sunday.
The Met Office recorded gusts of 82 mph on Tiree and 80 mph on Islay.
SSEN reported 93 unplanned power cuts in Scotland by 10 a.m. Sunday.
Hundreds of flights at Dublin, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow faced delays Sunday.
River of Light, Diwali on the Square and Edinburgh Castle events were cancelled for safety.

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