A 60-year-old man has been struck and killed by a falling tree as Storm Boelo continues to sweep across Scotland and northern England with destructive force. More than 82,000 properties remain without power following the severe weather system, which brought gusts exceeding 80mph to exposed coastal areas on Sunday, 25 October 2026. According to The Guardian, the storm represents the second named weather system to strike the UK in as many days, following Storm Austen's impact on south-west England on Friday.
Police Scotland confirmed the fatality occurred near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway. A spokesperson for the force stated:
"We were made aware of a 60-year-old man having been struck by a falling tree on a minor road at Mid Kelton near around 10.30am on Sunday, 25 October, 2026. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course."
What wind speeds did the storm reach?
The Met Office recorded wind speeds that varied significantly across the affected regions. Widespread gusts of 60-70mph were documented across the amber warning zone, which came into force at 9pm on Saturday and covered mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England. In more exposed coastal locations, the winds proved far more severe. The island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides experienced 82mph winds, while Argyll and Bute recorded gusts of 84mph and Snowdonia (Eryri) in Wales saw speeds reach 83mph. According to SSEN, Machrihanish recorded gusts of 85mph, making it among the most severely affected locations. BBC News also reported that Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides and Capel Curig in north Wales both experienced gusts of 84mph.
Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly explained the storm's trajectory and impact:
"Storm Boelo will be felt across the UK this weekend, with the strongest winds and greatest potential for disruption in the north. Amber warnings are in place across mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, where gusts of 60-70mph are expected widely, with the potential for 80mph in exposed coastal locations. Strong winds will also affect other parts of the UK, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in places. Heavy rain will provide an additional hazard, particularly in the north, bringing the potential for further impacts. People should prepare for the potential for disruption, particularly to travel and power supplies."
How many customers lost power and when was it restored?
The Energy Networks Association (ENA) reported that engineers had restored power to 344,900 customers by Sunday morning, though 82,600 remained without electricity. The figure included more than 30,000 homes across Scotland. According to SSEN, by 11am the company had restored power to more than 19,500 customers. The ENA stated:
"The networks have been focused on reconnecting customers this morning, though the continuing severe weather in some regions is limiting network engineers' opportunities to safely start the work of restoring customers' power today and access to certain areas remains difficult. Engineers are working around the clock to identify and fix faults."
What transport disruptions occurred?
Train services experienced significant disruption across Scotland on Sunday. Network Rail Scotland documented flooding from the tracks to the platform at one Glasgow station and fallen trees above the lines near another location. Speed restrictions were implemented across Scotland and several railway sections were closed. According to The Independent, LNER cancelled nearly all services to and from Aberdeen and reduced services through Northallerton, Newcastle and Edinburgh to one train per hour in each direction.
Network Rail shared images of a trampoline beneath a train and a shed by the tracks, reminding people living near rail lines to firmly secure objects in their gardens. Some flights were diverted from landing at Leeds Bradford airport while others were cancelled. BBC News reported that some flights to and from Belfast, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dublin airports have been cancelled, with ferry services also suspended. Aviation operations faced considerable challenges as the severe weather persisted.
Which events were cancelled due to the storm?
Several major public events were cancelled this weekend in the interests of public safety. Visit Liverpool cancelled the River of Light event, which was to feature illuminated artworks. BBC News reported that the River of Light event in Merseyside was called off for the second day in a row, and Knowsley Safari Park announced closure on Sunday due to high winds. Several markets across the North West were also cancelled, including Quayside Makers Market in Salford and Macclesible Treacle Market in Cheshire. London's annual Diwali on the Square celebrations scheduled for Sunday were cancelled following advice from independent health and safety experts. Edinburgh Castle was closed on Sunday because of the high winds and adverse weather conditions, while the Fountains Abbey estate in North Yorkshire was also closed for the day after its Fountains by Floodlight event on Saturday evening was cancelled. In the East Midlands, Worksop Half Marathon was called off, and closures were announced at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Robin Hood's Wheelgate Park and Twinlakes Theme Park.
What flooding warnings were issued?
The Environment Agency had issued six flood warnings as of 1.45pm on Sunday, with flooding expected in spots across northern parts of England. An additional 50 alerts indicated that flooding was possible in various locations. BBC News reported that four flood warnings were issued for parts of England and Wales on Sunday, while 17 flood warnings were in place in Scotland. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency reported a higher number of warnings in its area of responsibility. According to The Independent, Scotland's environmental watchdog issued 29 flood warnings and 11 flood alerts.
Cumbria police reported receiving numerous calls overnight regarding localised flooding and fallen trees blocking roads across the county. Officers urged motorists to drive with care while emergency services worked to clear the obstructions. Scotland's government reported flooding at properties in Largs and Saltcoats, along with damage to transport routes and roads blocked by fallen trees. High rainfall totals were recorded in the Scottish Highlands, peaking at Cluanie Inn which received 130mm.
What was the impact of Storm Austen?
Storm Boelo followed closely on the heels of Storm Austen, which struck south-west England on Friday with significant force. Hundreds of homes in south-west England were still without power by the time Storm Boelo arrived. The Met Office recorded 76mph winds at St Mary's airport in the Isles of Scilly, 74mph at Aberporth in south Wales and 71mph at Culdrose in Cornwall during Storm Austen's passage.
What happens next?
Scotland's government indicated that adverse weather could return early in the week following the main impact of Storm Boelo. A yellow wind warning was forecast for Tuesday across Scotland and Northern Ireland's north coast, suggesting that residents should remain vigilant for further disruptions to services and infrastructure. The Met Office advised people in affected areas to secure loose items in gardens and to stay indoors as the storm posed a danger to life from flying debris and crashing waves.
Key Facts
- A 60-year-old man was killed by a falling tree near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway on Sunday, 25 October 2026
- Wind gusts reached 85mph at Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute, with widespread gusts of 60-70mph across the amber warning zone
- More than 82,000 properties remained without power, though 344,900 customers had been reconnected since Storm Austen began on Friday
- Train services across Scotland and northern England experienced significant disruption, with LNER cancelling nearly all services to and from Aberdeen
- Multiple major events were cancelled across the UK, including the River of Light in Liverpool, Diwali on the Square in London, and Edinburgh Castle closure
