Amber wind warning issued for parts of Cumbria and North East

An amber warning for wind has been issued for parts of Cumbria and the north-east of England as the region braces itself for Storm Boelo.

High winds are expected to batter north and west Cumbria, including Carlisle, Whitehaven and Alston, also hitting Northumberland and County Durham, with Allendale, Barnard Castle and Stanhope covered by the warning.

The Met Office warning, in place for 24 hours from 21:00 BST on Saturday, means there is a chance of power cuts, damage to buildings and trees, disruption to rail, air and ferry services.

Some rail services have been cancelled and a number of visitor attractions have said they would not be opening on Sunday due to the high winds forecast.

The Met Office said: “Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph and gusts to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas.”

A yellow warning for wind is also in place from 12:00 on Saturday, ending on Sunday evening across the whole of Cumbria and the North East, with a yellow warning for heavy rain covering Cumbria from 11:00 until 23:00 on Saturday.

There are four flood warnings in place stretching along the Cumbrian coastline, with areas most at risk including Allonby, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Parton and the Whitehaven area from 21:00 BST to 01:00 GMT on Sunday.

The Environment Agency said it was closing flood gates at Maryport and Flimby and urged people to avoid seafronts and harbours.