Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) moved to Yellow Alert status in the north of Scotland on 23 October 2026 ahead of Storm Boelo, which it said is likely to cause disruption over the weekend1. The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for wind across Scotland from 9pm on Saturday 24 October until 9pm on Sunday 25 October1. Orkney Islands Council, issuing a service update the same day, reported a separate Yellow weather warning for wind covering Orkney from 6pm on Saturday 24 October until 9pm on Sunday 25 October2.
SSEN said the alert level reflects the strong likelihood that storm-force winds on Saturday and Sunday will affect customers' power supplies1. It said it has activated contingency plans, bringing in additional teams to deal with damage to the network, and increased the number of people on duty in its customer contact centres1. Ahead of the storm it is sending text messages to more than 220,000 of its more vulnerable customers with guidance on preparing and on what to do if power goes off1.
The two organisations describe the forecast in different terms. SSEN gives the following timings across its north of Scotland network area1:
| Period | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Saturday from lunchtime | Gusts of around 70mph hitting the Western Isles, subsiding for a few hours, picking up again from 9pm |
| Sunday early hours | Continuous winds on the West Coast, speeds up to 75mph |
| Sunday from 6am | Gusts hitting the North Highlands at up to 83mph |
| Sunday 12pm to 6pm | Worst of the winds, particularly in the Highlands and Orkney Islands, also Argyll, the West Coast, the Western Isles and northern parts of the North East region |
Orkney Islands Council reported that Storm Boelo will bring strong south-westerly to westerly winds, with gusts of 65-75mph likely across Orkney and the potential to be higher in exposed coastal areas and on higher ground2. It said conditions are expected to worsen on Sunday, with the strongest gusts and heaviest rain, and that SEPA has highlighted the potential for moderate coastal flooding due to a combination of storm surge and large waves2.
"We've moved to Yellow Alert status in the north of Scotland ahead of Storm Boelo, which is likely to cause disruption over the weekend."
Why it matters for households
SSEN's alert covers the possibility of power cuts across its north of Scotland network area during Saturday and Sunday1. The council warned that strong winds and rough seas could lead to disruption at the Churchill Barriers, that Stagecoach may suspend bus services at short notice this weekend for the safety of drivers and customers, and that Orkney Ferries has advised of possible disruption across all services from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, with a number of sailings already under review2.
SSEN advises anyone who sees damage to its equipment to stay back, not touch it and report it by calling 105 or via its Power Track website, and encourages customers to save the 105 number to report a loss of supply or network damage1. It also points to Power Track for details of power cuts and restoration times1. The council asks residents to secure loose items outside their home, including bins, garden furniture and trampolines, and to avoid unnecessary visits to the coast while conditions are at their worst2. It encourages residents and visitors to keep an eye on its social media and website, take necessary precautions, and plan travel and outdoor work accordingly2.
SSEN said customers are eligible for its free Priority Services if they are deaf or hard of hearing, have a disability, live with children under five, are blind or partially sighted, have a chronic illness, use medical equipment or aids reliant on electricity, or are over 601. The Priority Services Register carries further detail on who can join and what it provides.
Households can read more on how to report a loss of electricity, on storms and the electricity network and on getting your home ready for a loss of supply.
What happens next
SSEN said it will continue to monitor Storm Boelo closely throughout the weekend and issue further updates depending on the forecast1. The Amber wind warning runs until 9pm on Sunday 25 October, and the Yellow warning covering Orkney until the same time2. The council advises checking Stagecoach's service updates page before travelling and keeping the Council roads emergency phone line free for urgent calls2.
Sources (2)
- Storm Boelo: we’ve moved to Yellow Alert status - SSEN, ssen.co.uk
- Storm Boelo - Service Update | Orkney Islands Council, orkney.gov.uk
Storms and the Electricity Grid
Reporting a Power Cut
Power Cuts Household Guide
Getting Ready for a Power Cut
