The warning covers strong westerly winds that are expected to become widespread on Saturday evening, continuing overnight and through much of Sunday. Along with the winds, heavy, blustery showers are forecast. Conditions should gradually improve from the southwest during Sunday afternoon as the strongest winds ease.
The Met Office has warned that the winds could cause disruption to transport networks and essential services. Power cuts are possible, which could also affect mobile phone coverage. There is a small risk of damage to buildings, with roof tiles possibly being blown off, and flying debris could pose a danger to the public. Road, rail, air and ferry passengers may face longer journey times or cancellations, and some roads and bridges could close. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with large waves and beach material potentially being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads and nearby properties.
Storm Boelo arrives just a day after Storm Austen, which is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Ireland. Storm Austen is expected to track towards the south coast of Ireland on Thursday evening into Friday morning, bringing a risk of flooding and travel disruption. Met Éireann has issued an orange rain warning for six counties in the Republic of Ireland, Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, with flooding, public transport disruption and difficult driving conditions possible. A nationwide yellow warning for rain and wind is also in place from 19:00 Thursday until 10:00 Friday. Although no warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland in connection with Storm Austen, widespread rain is expected on Thursday night before clearing eastwards on Friday morning.