The UK is preparing for severe weather as the Met Office names Storm Amy. A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued in Northern Ireland, effective from 16:00 BST on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday.
Storm Amy’s Impact Across the UK
In addition to Northern Ireland, a yellow severe weather warning for wind will also affect parts of Scotland, north-west England, and North Wales. This warning will commence at 18:00 BST on Friday and extend through to 23:59 on Saturday.
Wind Speeds and Potential Damage
Winds are expected to be considerable within the warning areas, with gusts reaching 50-60 mph (80-96 km/h). In certain locations, gusts may peak at 70 mph (113 km/h) temporarily. Particularly vulnerable areas, such as exposed coasts and hills in northern and western Scotland, could experience gusts as high as 80 mph (129 km/h).
- Gusts of 50-60 mph likely in warning zones.
- Potential peak gusts of up to 70 mph in some areas.
- 80 mph possible in northern and western Scotland.
These intense winds pose a risk of damage, especially since many trees are still in full leaf. This increases the chance of uprooted trees and broken branches. Residents should also prepare for possible power outages and transportation disruptions across affected regions.
Transport Disruptions Expected
Travel may be significantly affected, particularly in Scotland. This could lead to cancelled ferry services and restrictions on both road and rail networks. Additionally, flights departing from Scottish airports may face delays or cancellations.
Forecast Beyond Storm Amy
The most severe winds are anticipated to ease by Saturday morning. However, windy conditions will persist throughout the day, particularly in northern and western Scotland, where gusts of 60-70 mph (97-113 km/h) will be common.
Throughout the UK, even lower gusts of 40-55 mph (64-89 km/h) could cause further disruptions, highlighting the importance of preparedness for those in the affected areas.
