‘Heartbreaking’: Coastal areas flooded overnight as Storm Boelo hits Scotland

Storm Boelo brought widespread flooding overnight to coastal towns across Scotland.

Largs is among the towns deluged during the second named storm of the year as Scotland faces gusts exceeding 80mph, travel disruption and power outages.

An amber wind warning came into force at 9pm on Saturday night, and will remain in place until 9pm on Sunday, with a yellow warning for rain affecting the North East.

Heavy rainfall has caused coastal and surface flooding in towns including Largs, Dumbarton and Rothesay on the west coast.

A video shared by ice cream shop Geraldo’s shows the North Ayrshire town submerged in floodwater.

“26 years of being here and it’s the highest it’s ever been,” the owner said in the footage. “We’re standing here in a doorway trying to protect our businesses from this disaster. It’s just heartbreaking. It really is.

“We’ve never seen it this high. The amount of stock that has been damaged… God knows what the inside of my shop is like. I can’t even get inside my shop right now.”

STV News has contacted Geraldo’s for further comment.

In North Ayrshire, Shore Road in Skelmorlie was closed after seawater flooded the coastline near homes.

Meanwhile, Gourock’s outdoor pool has also sustained damaged during the storm.

Pascal Lardet, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “Storm Boelo is moving as expected across the country. So far the effects have been mostly felt around coastal areas with some flooding impacts reported in the south west.

“Stormy weather is expected to continue affect Scotland on Sunday and into the start of the week. Through Sunday, coastal flooding impacts are likely in the west and north. There could also be river and surface water impacts in the north due to continued heavy rain.

“On Monday evening, further coastal flooding impacts are likely starting in the southwest and around most of Scotland through Tuesday due to a further storm system. We expect to see large waves and rising tidal levels increase the likelihood of flooding to low-lying coastal roads and local travel disruption.

“We continue to urge people to remain vigilant, particularly around coastal areas and stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves.

“A Met Office amber weather warning remains in place until 9pm on Sunday night and will result in high waves and a risk of coastal flooding.

“The flood risk will continue to remain elevated throughout Sunday and into next week. Stay up to date with the latest information by checking our flooding page on the SEPA website and our social media channels.”