The Met Office has advised all residents in the UK to get ready with three crucial items as multiple weather alerts have been issued nationwide.
Weather experts have cautioned that Storm Amy will bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to regions including Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England, and northwest Wales starting Friday afternoon through Saturday. This storm, the first named of the season, is approaching from the Atlantic, leading to early school closures in Northern Ireland and cancellations of ferry services in western Scotland.
In light of the severe weather conditions, the Met Office recommends that everyone should gather three essential items – batteries, torches, and a mobile phone charger – in preparation for potential power outages. Being proactive in readiness for power cuts is crucial, and the weather service emphasized the importance of having these supplies readily available.
Anticipated heavy rain and high winds reaching up to 100mph in exposed coastal areas have prompted the Met Office to caution residents about the risk of large waves. Vigilance near cliffs and keeping pets on a leash are strongly advised, with emergency assistance available by dialing 999 and requesting Coastguard support if needed.
A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for western Scotland and Northern Ireland from midday today until midnight tomorrow, highlighting the potential for transport disruptions and flooding due to Storm Amy. Additionally, a separate yellow warning for wind is active in the same areas from 3pm today until Sunday midnight.
The inclement weather is forecasted to extend southward, affecting the entire UK, including southern England, under yellow warnings for Saturday. More critical amber wind warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and western Scotland from 5pm today, with the possibility of “damaging winds” that could pose a threat to life from flying debris.
School closures have been instructed by the Education Authority in Northern Ireland for counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh as a safety measure. The storm’s impact is expected to be most severe in the northern and western regions of Scotland.
According to the Met Office, Storm Amy is set to bring strong winds to many parts of northern and western Britain from Friday into Saturday. Wind speeds are forecasted to reach 50-60mph in most areas, possibly exceeding 60-70mph in exposed locations, particularly across northern and western Scotland where gusts over 90mph are anticipated. The accompanying heavy rain could result in challenging driving conditions, especially for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes.
The intensity of the winds is predicted to diminish by Saturday evening, but northern Scotland will continue to experience strong winds. Residents in parts of the Highlands and Western Isles have been warned of potential risks to life from flying debris, power outages, road closures, and structural damage.
Aileen Rourke from SP Energy Networks emphasized the increased likelihood of power cuts during extreme weather, prompting the mobilization of engineering teams for rapid response. Ferry services between Cairnryan and Larne have been suspended from midday Friday, while flood warnings are active in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway due to rising river levels.
ScotRail announced closures of several railway lines in northern Scotland from 6pm Friday and speed restrictions on all other routes from 7pm. Network Rail advised securing loose outdoor items to prevent blockages on railway tracks, and motorists were urged by police to exercise caution while driving.