Storm Amy is intensifying along the UK coast, undergoing definite cyclogenesis, described as a weather bomb by a meteorologist. Wind gusts from the storm are expected to reach speeds of up to 100mph tonight, prompting yellow and amber warnings throughout the country. Although Storm Amy is set to impact mainly Northern Ireland and North-West Scotland, strong winds and heavy rains are anticipated across the UK.
The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings, signifying a threat to life. Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, advised the public to exercise caution, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He stressed the importance of heeding warnings, especially in areas less accustomed to severe weather.
Amber warnings indicate the potential for gusts exceeding 90mph, particularly in exposed regions of north and northwest Scotland. With Storm Amy’s central pressure at 959mb, the phenomenon of cyclogenesis, or a weather bomb, is underway.
The Met Office has issued three amber wind warnings spanning from Northern Ireland to northern Scotland, effective from Friday afternoon until Saturday. Additional yellow wind warnings cover areas from central Wales to the Outer Hebrides, extending into Sunday morning. Furthermore, two yellow rain warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
Neil Armstrong, the Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, highlighted the significant impact of Storm Amy on Scotland and Northern Ireland, extending to northwest England and Wales. The storm is expected to bring damaging gusts of up to 100mph in parts of western Scotland, leading to potential disruptions, power outages, and structural damage. Rainfall poses an additional risk, particularly in western Scotland, with the possibility of flooding due to heavy precipitation.
Following its formation in the Atlantic, Storm Amy, originating from the remnants of Hurricane Humberto, made landfall in the Republic of Ireland this morning. As a result, around 184,000 properties in the Republic of Ireland were left without power during the storm, primarily in counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan, and Donegal, with ongoing restoration efforts amidst challenging weather conditions.
In response to the adverse conditions, people in Co Donegal were advised to take necessary precautions, including sheltering in place due to the impact of Storm Amy. Schools across Northern Ireland were also advised to close early as high winds caused disruptions across the region, with weather warnings issued for every county on the island.
