Burnham warns of ‘winter of greater flooding’ as storms start to hit UK

The UK could face a winter of greater flooding as severe weather begins to batter the country, according to warnings issued amid a wave of intense autumn storms.

The unfolding weather emergency has arrived alongside growing concern over national resilience according to New Civil Engineer, with infrastructure networks already feeling the strain. Storm Austen marked the first named storm of the season, triggering severe disruption across the South West of England. Wind gusts reached 76mph at St Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly reported Aol. The Met Office issued an amber warning for wind covering Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly.

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Cornwall Council highways teams reported handling roughly 100 separate incidents driven by the severe weather, predominantly involving fallen trees, blocked roads, and wind-blown debris. Several road closures remained in place as crews awaited specialist equipment and utility company support to safely clear massive fallen trees.

National Grid confirmed that power outages affected more than 16,000 properties at the peak of the disruption. Among those left without electricity were more than 5,000 customers registered on priority services lists for vulnerable individuals requiring extra support. National Grid Electricity Distribution chief operating officer Amy Webb stated that engineers deployed across affected areas worked continuously to restore power.

Forecasters extended the severe weather threat by issuing an amber wind warning for Storm Boelo. The warning takes effect for 24 hours starting at 9pm on Saturday, 24 October 2026, targeting Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland, Cumbria, and Northumberland.

Prime minister Andy Burnham addressed the escalating climate pressures while attending a government summit in transport coverage discussions focused on learning from the summer's record wildfires. Burnham stated that unexpected events are becoming increasingly common and urged the public to build personal resilience.

"We are having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we’re living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common. Obviously weather events – and we’re in a situation today where the UK is facing storms, and obviously we feel for the people without power in Cornwall right now – it is just having those supplies in the house to get you through those moments."

Andy Burnham, Prime minister, via New Civil Engineer and AOL

Linking the immediate storms to wider environmental shifts, Burnham warned that the country must stop playing catch-up. He noted that the unprecedented summer heatwaves and nationwide wildfires stretched fire and rescue services to their limits. Environmental campaigners echoed these concerns, with Greenpeace climate campaigner Maja Darlington arguing that the consecutive extreme weather events should serve as a stark warning to curtail fossil fuel production.

In response to the mounting risks, the government unveiled its "Be Ready" information campaign. The initiative advises residents in potentially vulnerable regions to maintain a three-day supply of bottled water, tinned food, cash, and first aid kits to manage sudden power outages and floods. Treasury minister James Murray defended the guidance on Times Radio, clarifying that the campaign provides actionable information rather than a mandatory shopping list.

Further administrative action is underway according to AOL Canada, with a government-chaired taskforce scheduled to meet. Defra minister Emma Hardy will host the inaugural meeting of the Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce on Wednesday. The group brings together representatives from the Met Office, the Environment Agency, mayoral authorities, and the farming, water, and insurance sectors. Officials highlighted that at least £10.5 billion has been committed up to 2036 to safeguard homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure against intensifying flood threats.

The 24-hour amber warning for Storm Boelo remains active across northern regions through Sunday, while the newly formed taskforce convenes on Wednesday to map out winter infrastructure protections.