Scotland is braced for a wet and windy weekend as two named storms hit in two days. Storm Austen is the first to sweep across the country, with the Met Office issuing a a yellow warning for rain, external in central and eastern areas from 06:00 on Friday until midnight. Forecasters say some places could experience 60-80 mm of rain, with a risk of flooding and travel disruption. Storm Boelo will follow hard on its heels on Saturday, with another yellow weather warning issued, this time for high winds, for the whole of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles and Orkney.
Two storms in two days as Austen and Boelo target UK The wind warning will come into force from 18:00 on Saturday and last until 21:00 on Sunday. The wind speeds are expected build on Saturday afternoon, reaching a peak overnight. Gusts of 50-65mph are forecast widely and could reach 80mph in exposed locations. The storm will also bring wet and windy weather across the whole of the UK on Saturday with poor travelling conditions expected due to surface water and spray on faster roads and motorways.
Network Rail Scotland said that trains on Friday will be slowed down to keep people safe in the areas expected to see the heaviest rain. Speed restrictions will be in place on parts of the West Coast Main Line and East Coast Main Line, as well as routes across southern and eastern Scotland. It said some journeys would take longer as a result, but that the restrictions meant trains could continue running through areas where the weather is at its worst. Speed restrictions for trains are also expected in some areas as the second storm moves across the country over the weekend.
Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We can’t control the weather, but we can make sure we’re as ready as possible for whatever it brings. “We know any disruption from these storms will be frustrating, particularly as it’s the weekend, but we’ll do everything we can to keep people moving wherever it’s safe to do so.” Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Safety is always our top priority and with weather warnings in place as Storm Austen and Storm Boelo bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Scotland this weekend, there is an increased risk of flooding and disruption on the railway.” He advised customers to check services before they travel. Power cuts are possible, which could also affect mobile phone coverage and other services. There is a small risk of damage to buildings, including roof tiles being blown off, while flying debris could pose a danger to the public.
Amber warning issued as Storm Austen threatens UK with strong winds and heavy rain Weather warning in place ahead of Storm Boelo New storm names for 2026-2027 released by Met Office
