Edinburgh, United Kingdom— Storm Boelo hit Scotland and Northern Ireland on November 1, 2026, killing two people and bringing down trees, power lines and coastal defences as winds reached more than 90 miles per hour.
The storm made landfall early Saturday. The Met Office had issued amber warnings for wind and rain. In western Scotland, gusts ripped roofs off buildings. In County Antrim, waves overtopped sea walls. Ferries were cancelled. Flights were delayed.
Police Scotland said one death occurred in Argyll and Bute when a tree fell onto a car. The second death was reported in Northern Ireland after a man was swept into water near a flooded river. Both victims have not been named.
Power networks took heavy damage. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks reported more than 40,000 customers without power by midday. Engineers worked in high winds to restore lines. In Northern Ireland, NIE Networks said 15,000 homes were cut off.
"We are dealing with multiple incidents of flooding, fallen trees, and structural damage. People should not travel unless necessary," a Police Scotland spokesperson said from a control room in Glasgow. Road closures stretched across the A82 and A75.
Transport collapsed in parts. ScotRail cancelled dozens of services. Network Rail imposed speed restrictions after debris was found on tracks. Belfast's George Best Airport diverted flights. The M77 was blocked for two hours by an overturned lorry.
Coastal communities faced the worst surge. In Oban, harbour water flooded shops. In Derry, emergency crews evacuated houses near the River Foyle. Lifeboat crews launched three times overnight.
The Met Office said Boelo is the third named storm of the season. Climate analysts said warmer Atlantic waters are feeding stronger systems. Government ministers met to assess damage and compensation for affected councils.
By evening, winds eased but rain continued. Power restoration may take days in remote areas. Police said the death toll could rise as more reports come in.
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