As Storm Amy is expected to bring heavy rain and wind to all of Britain this weekend, the Met Office has urged people to prepare ahead due to the risk of power cuts
The Met Office has urged everyone in Britain to prepare three essential items as several weather warnings were issued across the entire country.
Meteorologists have warned Storm Amy will bring disruptive wind and heavy rain for much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England and northwest Wales from Friday afternoon and into Saturday. As the first named storm of the season sweeps in from the Atlantic, schools in Northern Ireland closed early and ferry sailings from the west of Scotland were cancelled.
Due to the severe weather conditions, the Met Office says everyone should consider gathering three items – batteries, torches and a mobile phone charger – in case of power cuts. The weather service said: “People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance.
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“It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.” Heavy rain and strong winds of up to 100mph are expected in exposed coastal areas today – and the Met Office has warned residents of the risk of large waves.
It said on its website: “Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
A yellow weather warning for rain covers western Scotland and Northern Ireland from 12pm today until midnight tomorrow. The warning says heavy rain caused by Storm Amy “may lead to some transport disruption and flooding.” A separate yellow warning for wind is in force in the same area from 3pm today until midnight on Sunday.
The wet and windy conditions are expected to spread south later in the day, with all of the UK including southern England covered by yellow warnings for Saturday. More serious amber warnings for wind have also been issued for Northern Ireland and western Scotland from 5pm today, with a risk of “damaging winds” which could pose a danger to life from flying debris.
Schools across counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh were told by the Education Authority in Northern Ireland to close at noon due to safety concerns. The north and west of Scotland will be worst hit by the storm on the British mainland.
The Met Office said: “Storm Amy is expected to bring a spell of strong winds to many parts of northern and western Britain later on Friday and overnight into Saturday. South to south-westerly winds will increase during Friday, initially in the west before extending eastwards during Friday night.
“Gusts of 50-60mph are likely in many areas, and may reach 60-70mph in more exposed parts. The strongest winds are most likely across portions of northern and western Scotland, where gusts in excess of 90mph are possible. The very strong winds will also be accompanied by spells of heavy rain, with difficult driving conditions likely, especially for high-sided vehicles on prone routes, such as crosswinds on exposed or high-level routes.”
The winds are expected to ease later on Saturday, but will continue to be strong in northern Scotland. Those living in parts of the Highlands and Western Isles have been warned of a “danger to life” from flying debris, potential power cuts as well as road closures and damage to buildings.
Aileen Rourke of SP Energy Networks said: “When extreme weather hits, the potential for damage to our power lines increases, which means power cuts can become more likely. We’re currently mobilising teams of engineers to the areas where we expect the weather to have the most impact so we can respond as quickly as possible.
“However, please remember our teams have to battle the elements too and weather damage can affect how easily we can access the affected areas.” A number of ferry sailings between Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway and Larne in Co Antrim have been cancelled from midday on Friday.
Flood warnings are also in place for parts of Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway as the heavy rain causes rivers to rise. ScotRail said several railway lines in northern Scotland will close from 6pm on Friday due to the conditions, while speed restrictions will be in place on all other routes from 7pm, with no replacement transport. ScotRail is advising customers to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling.
Network Rail also urged people living near railways to “secure any loose garden furniture, sheds and trampolines, to avoid tracks being blocked by debris.” Police urged motorists to drive carefully.