Storms Leave 90,000 UK Homes Dark as Winds Return

Approximately 90,000 properties in northern Britain remain without electricity following two consecutive storms.

The disruption followed back-to-back named storms, Austen and Boelo, which struck the UK over the weekend. The weather system caused widespread power outages, flooding, and travel delays. Two men died after falling trees struck them during the high winds.

Utility operators worked continuously to restore service. Lawrence Slade, chief executive of the Energy Networks Association, stated that crews restored power to about 700,000 customers over the three-day period. He described the situation as difficult because Boelo arrived immediately after Austen. Slade noted that strong winds, ranging from 50 to 70 miles per hour and reaching 85 miles per hour in northern Scotland, prevented engineers from safely replacing poles and wires. On Monday, the Energy Networks Association confirmed that 90,000 customers were still disconnected.

Conditions improved slightly on Monday, but the Met Office issued two yellow weather warnings for incoming strong winds. The first warning covers western coastal areas from Cornwall to south-west Scotland from 6 p.m. Monday to 3 a.m. Tuesday. Forecasters expect gusts up to 65 miles per hour and heavy rain in exposed areas. The second warning applies to most of Scotland from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, with winds of 50 to 60 miles per hour and gusts up to 70 miles per hour in the far north. Authorities warned of potential travel cancellations, road closures, and additional power cuts.

Local officials responded to the damage and loss of life. John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, met with senior politicians, emergency teams, and forecasters on Sunday. On Monday, he posted on X to offer condolences to the families of the two men who died. One victim, a 60-year-old, was hit by a tree in Dumfries and Galloway. The second, a man in his 20s, died in Finchley in north London. Swinney thanked emergency services for working through the night.

Flooding affected several communities during the weekend. In Largs, residents reported water levels higher than seen in 36 years. At the Tha-Tien-Thai restaurant in Largs, water overran the kitchen, and staff said the business would close for the foreseeable future for restoration work. Emergency services responded to a flooded care home in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, on Sunday evening. Police Scotland confirmed all residents were accounted for and officers remained on site overnight.

Transport and events faced disruptions. Flights were diverted or cancelled, including at Leeds Bradford, the highest airport in England. Most train services resumed normal operations, though operators advised passengers to check before traveling. Sunday racing at Aintree was abandoned due to high winds. A football match between Sunderland and Leeds ended in a 0-0 draw, with the wind affecting play.