Severe weather warnings for Storm Boelo have been updated with a large Amber warning issued for Saturday night and Sunday. Widespread gusts of 60-70mph are forecast, with potential for gusts of 80mph in exposed coastal locations.

The Amber warning sits within wider Yellow warnings which stretch further south into England and cover the whole of Northern Ireland.

The updates come as the Amber warning associated with Storm Austen has expired as the first named storm of the season moves into the Low Countries. Gusts of 76mph were recorded at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly in the early hours of Friday morning, with 74mph recorded in Aberporth, south Wales, and 71mph at Culdrose in Cornwall.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Dan Suri, said: “Storm Austen is moving into the Low Countries today but will still bring wet and windy conditions to large parts of the UK through the day. Yellow warnings for wind remain in place for Wales and much of England today, and a warning for rain is also in force in southern Scotland. Conditions will eventually improve briefly tonight before Storm Boelo moves in from the west.”

More stormy weather this weekend

Attention turns to Storm Boelo this weekend as another deep area of low pressure moves in from the Atlantic. The storm will be felt across the UK, with the most severe conditions in the north.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Mark Sidaway, said: “Saturday morning will start dry and bright in the east of the UK, however further west rain and increasingly windy conditions will already be set in as people wake up for the day. This stormy weather will continue to move eastwards bringing rain and windy conditions to all of the UK.

“There are a number of severe weather warnings issued for Storm Boelo, including an Amber warning for all of mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the very far north of England. Gusts could reach up to 80mph in places. More widely gusts will still reach 50-60mph and spells of heavy rain could also lead to some impacts.

“People should prepare by securing loose items outside their property, being ready in case of power outages and being aware of likely travel disruption.”

Prepare for travel disruption

Stormy weather can cause delays on the transport network; there are several steps you can take to help stay safe if traveling during windy weather.

RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year Jack Halstead said: “Getting from A to B could be particularly challenging for drivers in the next few days, and with Storm Austen so quickly followed by Storm Boelo there will be no let up. This will be the first real taste of autumn and many of us will undoubtedly notice the difference on the roads. Very strong winds and heavy rain mean it’s vital to slow down and leave a far greater gap behind the vehicle in front. Where possible, drivers should avoid coastal and exposed upland routes when storms like these roll in.

“But bad weather should also act as an important reminder that if something doesn’t feel right with a vehicle, drivers mustn't risk it – they should get it checked by a trusted mobile mechanic or garage without delay. And much like households getting their boilers serviced before winter, we strongly recommend drivers keep on top of their car servicing and aren’t tempted to put it off. A properly serviced vehicle reduces the chances of a breakdown, or something more serious, particularly as the seasons change.”

Will it stay stormy next week?

While the heavy rain and strongest winds will persist through Sunday in the north, further south across southern England and Wales it will be drier and brighter but still windy.

As we move into the next week, unsettled conditions are forecast to persist, especially in the north, as another area of low pressure approaches the UK bringing further wet and windy conditions. Further ahead, forecasts suggest higher pressure moving in towards the end of the week, bringing more settled weather to the UK.

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Stormy seas