Man killed by falling tree as Storm Boelo leaves 160,000 properties without power

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Storm Boelo has hit Scotland and the north of England the hardest

A 60-year-old man has died after being hit by a falling tree in southern Scotland as Storm Boelo continues to bring severe weather to the UK.

Police Scotland said the man was pronounced dead at the scene following the incident near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway at about 10:30 on Sunday.

The harsh weather battering the UK had left 161,400 properties without power as of 15:00 GMT on Sunday afternoon, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) said.

Those still without electricity have faced delays as the dangerous conditions were “limiting network engineers’ opportunities to safely start the work”, the ENA added.

During Storm Boelo and the earlier Storm Austen, which hit the UK on Friday, 838,700 properties across the country faced power cuts, according to the ENA.

Wind gusts peaked on Sunday morning at 85mph in Machrihanish, in Argyll and Bute, and 84mph in both Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, and Capel Curig in north Wales.

An amber wind warning issued by the Met Office will remain in place until 21:00 on Sunday across Scotland and parts of northern England.

A yellow warning that also covers other areas of the north of England, including Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as well as parts of the East and West Midlands and North Wales, is in place until 21:00 on Sunday.

The Met Office has urged people to “stay indoors as much as possible”, adding: “If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees.”

The strongest gusts have continued to spread eastwards across the UK on Sunday.

Amber wind warnings cover much of Scotland and the far north of England

Four flood warnings have been issued for parts of England and Wales on Sunday, while there are 17 flood warnings in place in Scotland.

High rainfall totals have been recorded in the Scottish Highlands, peaking in Cluanie Inn which received 130mm.

Scottish government ministers and officials gathered on Sunday afternoon to discuss the impact of Storm Boelo.

In a statement, the Scottish government said while conditions may ease later on Sunday, there is potential for adverse weather to return in the coming days.

Police in Scotland have warned against unnecessary road journeys and ferry services have been cancelled.

Some flights to and from Belfast, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dublin airports have been cancelled and train services across the UK have faced disruption.

Jason Kelly, the Met Office’s chief forecaster, said: “People should prepare for the potential for disruption, particularly to travel and power supplies. Secure loose items outside, plan ahead if you are travelling and keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings for your area.”

In Merseyside, a River of Light event was called off for the second day in a row, and Knowsley Safari Park has announced that it was closed on Sunday due to “high winds”.

Several markets across the North West have also been cancelled due to the weather, including Quayside Makers Market in Salford and Macclesfield Treacle Market in Cheshire.

In the East Midlands, Worksop Half Marathon was called off, and closures were announced at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Robin Hood’s Wheelgate Park and Twinlakes Theme Park.

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