Two Met Office weather warnings issued for Wigan as Storm Austen and Storm Boelo to bring gusts of up to 55mph

Two Met Office weather warnings have been issued for Wigan this weekend as Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are predicted to bring strong winds.

A yellow wind warning is currently in place for Wigan. The warning period will end at 9pm on Friday 23 October.

The warning, which has a high (50-75%) likelihood and a moderate impact, reads: “A spell of strong winds, touching gales at times, associated with Storm Austen may bring some localised impacts.

“Some short-term loss of power and other services is possible. It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves. Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely. Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.

“Whilst the winds across the warning area are not expected to be as strong as those further south and west, a spell of inland gales is possible with gusts around 45 to 55mph during Friday daytime. In combination with locally heavy rain and many trees still in full leaf, there is potential for some power outages and travel disruption.”

Another Met Office yellow wind warning will come into force in Wigan at 12pm on Saturday 24 October and end at 9pm on Sunday 25 October.

This second yellow wind warning, which has a medium (25-50%) likelihood and a significant impact, reads: “Storm Boelo will bring a very windy and wet spell this weekend with some disruption likely across parts of northern UK.

“Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible. Some damage to buildings and trees, such as tiles blown from roofs and large branches or trees blown over, could happen.

“Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges may close. Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

“Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

“Strong winds will spread across northern parts of the UK during Saturday afternoon, combining with spells of heavy rain. Initially strong southerly winds will affect parts of Scotland before more widespread and even stronger westerly winds develop later on Saturday. Very windy conditions will then persist overnight and through much of Sunday before gradually easing from the southwest later. Gusts of 55-65 mph are likely widely with some coastal and exposed areas potentially seeing gusts of 70-80 mph or more, these strongest gusts most likely across Scotland and the far north of England.”