Storm Boelo, the second named storm in two days, has triggered amber weather warnings across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England as wind gusts reaching 80mph move across the UK.
The amber warnings remain in place until 21:00 on Sunday for Scotland and England, and until 10:00 on Sunday for Northern Ireland. The Met Office warns of increased risk of travel disruption and potential danger to life. Strong winds will intensify through Saturday night with widespread gusts expected, the forecaster said.
The storm poses multiple hazards. Power cuts remain likely, with flying debris, building and tree damage, travel disruption and danger from large waves all forecast. The Met Office has advised people to "stay indoors as much as possible" and warned that being outside in high winds could make people "more vulnerable to injury."
The strongest winds affected western Scotland first and are expected to spread eastwards through Sunday. By Saturday evening, wind gusts of 75mph had been recorded at South Uist Range in the Western Isles, according to the Met Office.
Storm Boelo arrives as National Grid continues restoring power after Storm Austen struck south-west England. The grid said it had restored more than 124,000 properties by Saturday, though hundreds remained without power that evening. In north-west England, more than 2,000 properties lost power on Saturday night.
Train and ferry services have been cancelled in Scotland, and police have warned against unnecessary road journeys. Dozens of flood warnings and alerts cover the country. Several roads have closed due to flooding, including the A78 in Greenock and the A77 in Ayrshire.
Events and travel disruptions have cascaded across the UK. Dublin Airport cancelled several flights, and ferry providers including StenaLine, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries cancelled crossings in the Irish Sea. Knowsley Safari Park announced closure on Sunday, and multiple weekend events and markets were cancelled across the North West.
The UK Coastal and Maritime Agency said an oil tanker carrying 21 people sailing 350 nautical miles off the Isle of Mull issued a distress alert due to large swells on Saturday afternoon. A Royal Air Force aircraft investigated and established communications with the vessel, determining no assistance was needed.