Storm Boelo: Belfast ferry cancellations and football postponements as severe winds approach Northern Ireland
Storm Boelo is causing widespread disruption across Northern Ireland, with Belfast ferry sailings cancelled, football fixtures postponed and weather warnings remaining in force throughout the weekend.
Stena Line has confirmed multiple cancellations affecting its services between Belfast and Great Britain on Saturday 24 October, while the Irish Football Association has postponed the Women’s Challenge Cup Final between Glentoran Women and Cliftonville Ladies at Windsor Park.
The Met Office has also revised its amber wind warning for parts of Counties Antrim and Londonderry, bringing forward the expiry time to 10am on Sunday 25 October.
Despite the shorter warning period, forecasters continue to warn of potentially dangerous winds, travel disruption, falling trees and power cuts.
Storm Boelo amber warning shortened for Northern Ireland
The Met Office has updated its amber wind warning for parts of Northern Ireland, with the warning now scheduled to end at 10am on Sunday rather than 9pm.
The amber warning covers parts of Counties Antrim and Londonderry and begins at 9pm on Saturday evening.
A separate yellow wind warning remains in place across all six counties from 10am on Saturday until noon on Sunday.
The strongest winds are expected during Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday morning, with gusts potentially reaching 60–70mph and up to 80mph in some exposed coastal locations.
The Met Office has warned that flying debris could pose a danger to life, while falling trees, damaged buildings, power cuts and transport disruption are also possible.
Although the warning has been shortened, residents are being advised to remain cautious throughout the weekend.
Belfast ferry cancellations confirmed by Stena Line
Storm Boelo has forced the cancellation of multiple ferry sailings between Belfast and Great Britain.
Stena Line has confirmed significant disruption to its Belfast to Cairnryan route, with four departures from Belfast cancelled on Saturday.
The affected departures are scheduled for 11.15am, 3.30pm, 7.45pm and 11.30pm.
Four services travelling in the opposite direction, from Cairnryan to Belfast, have also been cancelled.
Those departures were scheduled for 11.15am, 3.30pm, 7.30pm and 11.30pm.
The ferry operator has attributed the cancellations to adverse weather conditions.
Further disruption has already been confirmed for Sunday 25 October, with the 7am and 11.15am departures from Cairnryan to Belfast cancelled.
Other services remain subject to review as weather conditions develop.
Belfast to Liverpool ferry services also affected
The disruption extends to Stena Line’s Belfast to Liverpool route.
Saturday’s 10.30am departure from Belfast is listed as not operating, while the 10.30pm departure from Liverpool to Belfast has been cancelled because of severe weather conditions.
Other departures remain scheduled to operate, although passengers are being advised to check the latest sailing information before travelling.
Stena Line has indicated that affected passengers may be able to transfer to alternative sailings or routes without additional change fees or fare differences, subject to availability and the terms of the disruption arrangements.
Passengers should check directly with the ferry operator for the latest information concerning their booking.
Women’s Challenge Cup Final postponed at Windsor Park
The Irish FA Women’s Challenge Cup Final between Glentoran Women and Cliftonville Ladies has been postponed because of the severe weather forecast.
The Belfast derby was originally scheduled for Saturday evening at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, with kick-off due at 7.30pm.
However, the Irish Football Association has confirmed that the match will now take place on Tuesday 27 October at 7.45pm.
The decision was taken in the interests of the safety of players, match officials, supporters and everyone involved in staging the fixture.
All tickets purchased for Saturday’s final will remain valid for the rearranged match.
The postponement delays the conclusion of the domestic women’s football cup season, with both Belfast clubs now preparing for Tuesday’s encounter.
Further Irish League football postponements
Storm Boelo is also affecting the wider Northern Ireland football programme.
The scheduled Championship fixture between Institute and Dundela has been postponed following confirmation that the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium will be closed during the weekend because of the storm.
The Northern Ireland Football League has advised that further fixture decisions may be required as weather conditions deteriorate.
With strong winds expected during Saturday afternoon and evening, clubs and match officials will continue assessing the suitability of venues and playing conditions.
Supporters planning to attend Premiership, Championship or other domestic football matches are encouraged to check official club and league announcements before travelling.
Storm Boelo disrupts Halloween events and public facilities
The storm has also forced the cancellation or postponement of several Halloween events across Northern Ireland.
Cookstown’s Halloween celebrations and fireworks display, scheduled for Saturday evening at Mid Ulster Sports Arena, have been cancelled.
The Pumpkin Patch at Pomeroy Forest Park has been postponed until the following weekend, with revised dates arranged for existing ticket holders.
In Newtownabbey, Spooked Out at V36 has been postponed from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November.
Several councils have also announced precautionary closures affecting forest parks, playgrounds, outdoor sports facilities and recycling centres.
Residents and visitors are advised to check individual council announcements before travelling.
Public urged to prepare for severe weather
The Met Office is encouraging households to secure loose outdoor items, including bins, garden furniture and other objects that could become dangerous in strong winds.
People living in coastal areas are being advised to remain alert to large waves and flying debris.
Motorists should allow additional journey time and be prepared for possible road closures, fallen trees and difficult driving conditions.
Those travelling by ferry, attending sporting events or visiting outdoor attractions should check the latest official updates before setting off.
Storm Boelo is expected to bring its strongest winds overnight, with conditions gradually improving during Sunday.
External links
Met Office — Storm Boelo weather warning
Met Office — Latest warning times
Stena Line — Live ferry sailing updates
Irish FA — Women’s Challenge Cup Final postponed
NIFL — Institute v Dundela postponed
Other news: NIFL weekend preview: league action and Windsor Park final face weather threat