The UK is preparing for another powerful storm just 48 hours after the last one, with winds of up to 80mph and torrential rain threatening widespread travel disruption, flooding and power cuts.
An amber wind warning has been issued for Scotland, northern England as far south as Carlisle, and the north-east of Northern Ireland.
Storm Boelo, the second named storm of the season, is arriving after Storm Austen swept across Cornwall and other parts of south-west England on Saturday.
Storm Austen left more than 60,000 properties without electricity, led to school closures and damaged Brighton’s famous West Pier.
Video showed a section of the historic landmark collapsing into the sea under the force of huge waves. The pier opened in 1866 and drew around two million visitors annually at the height of its popularity.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said Storm Austen had primarily affected southern parts of the UK, northern France and the Channel Islands, while Storm Boelo would bring the worst conditions to the north.
“An amber wind warning is in force across Scotland from later today, continuing overnight and into the end of Sunday,” he said.
“Gusts could locally top 80mph, creating the potential for widespread disruption to travel across Scotland, as well as parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, over the next 24 to 36 hours.”
Powerful waves break over the lighthouse at Newhaven Harbour as Storm Austen hits
Umbrellas are raised as people attempt to keep dry during heavy rain in London
A home in Wimbledon stands in silhouette beneath a vivid orange and red sunrise following Storm Austen
Large waves strike Brighton’s historic West Pier, sending part of the structure into the sea
Mr Morgan warned that ferry routes could face lengthy delays or cancellations, while rail and road networks may also experience significant disruption.
Much of the UK is expected to remain “very wet and windy” today. However, conditions should improve across large parts of England and Wales on Sunday, bringing brighter and sunnier spells.
The meteorologist said the rainfall was badly needed, especially in southern England, which endured the worst of a “severe drought” during the summer.
The Prime Minister warned on Friday that the country could be heading towards “a winter of greater flooding”, adding that “unexpected events” are becoming increasingly common.
Andy Burnham rejected claims that the Government was reacting too slowly to the need for stronger civil preparedness. He made the comments while attending a summit focused on lessons from the record-breaking wildfires seen this summer.
“We are having that conversation about resilience,” he said. “That is why we are holding this summit today and why we are issuing guidance to the public.”
“We may be facing a winter with greater flood risk, so the priority is to recognise all these dangers and take action.”
Amber weather warnings cover Scotland, northern England as far south as Carlisle and the north-east of Northern Ireland
A damaged car after a tree was brought down by a heavy gust of wind in Richmond, west London
Road closure caused by fallen trees on the A39 between Falmouth and Truro in Cornwall on Friday
Two people walking in the rain along Victoria Embankment in London
The predictions of strong winds in Scotland have led to some rail lines being closed.
Network Rail has announced that services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire will stop from 9pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, further north the Oban and Mallaig lines will close from about 10pm tonight.
Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, said: ‘We know closing lines and slowing trains will have a significant impact on people’s plans this weekend, and these aren’t decisions we take lightly.
‘But when we’re facing weather of this scale, we have to put safety first and make sensible calls before conditions deteriorate.’
Amy Webb, chief operating officer at National Grid Electricity Distribution, added: ‘We know how difficult it is to be without power, particularly during severe weather.
‘Our engineers are out across the affected areas, working to repair the damage and get customers back on supply as quickly and safely as possible. We’re grateful for their patience while that work continues.
‘If you see a fallen power line, damaged pole or other damage to our equipment, please stay well clear and call 105 straight away.’