90,000 UK Homes Dark as Second Storm Front Approaches

Approximately 90,000 customers in northern Britain remain without electricity as a second wave of strong winds approaches. The Energy Networks Association, which represents power operators in the UK and Ireland, confirmed the figure on Monday morning. These outages follow two named storms, Austen and Boelo, that battered the region over the weekend.

Repairs have been hindered by the rapid succession of the two weather systems. Lawrence Slade, the association's chief executive, described the weekend as particularly challenging. He noted that the lack of a break between Austen and Boelo made it difficult for crews to work. Sustained winds of 50 to 70 mph, with gusts reaching 85 mph in northern Scotland, prevented engineers from safely replacing poles or restoring wires.

Operators managed to restore power to about 700,000 customers during the weekend. Slade explained that the weather system had to pass before teams could safely access the grid. This pause in severe weather is expected on Monday, offering a window for repairs before the next front arrives. The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for the upcoming 24 hours.

The first warning covers western coastal areas from Cornwall to south-west Scotland from 6 pm on Monday until 3 am on Tuesday. Forecasters predict gusts of up to 65 mph and heavy rain in exposed locations. The second warning applies to most of Scotland from 3 am to 9 pm on Tuesday. Winds of 50 to 60 mph are expected across the area, with gusts up to 70 mph in the far north. Authorities have warned of potential travel cancellations and further power cuts.

The storms caused two deaths and widespread flooding. A 60-year-old man died in Dumfries and Galloway after being struck by a falling tree. A man in his 20s died in Finchley, north London. Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, met with emergency teams and politicians on Sunday to coordinate the response. On Monday, Swinney posted on X that his thoughts were with those affected and thanked emergency services for their overnight work.

Floodwater damaged the town centre in Largs, where one resident reported seeing the highest levels in 36 years. A local Thai restaurant, Tha-Tien-Thai, shared video of its kitchen submerged in water. Staff said the doors would close for the foreseeable future due to extensive restoration needs. Emergency services responded to a flooded care home in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, on Sunday evening. Police Scotland confirmed all residents were accounted for and officers remained on site overnight.

Travel disruptions affected air and rail services. Flights were diverted from Leeds Bradford, England’s highest airport, while others were cancelled. Most train services have returned to normal, though operators advised passengers to check before traveling. Event cancellations included Sunday racing at Aintree, which was abandoned due to high winds. The wind also dominated a football match between Sunderland and Leeds, which ended in a goalless draw.