The first storm of the season, named Storm Amy by the Met Office, is expected to bring gusts of over 80mph and heavy rainfall.
This development follows the collision of Hurricane Humberto, a Category 3 storm, with Storm Imelda in the Atlantic Ocean. The combined systems have triggered alerts in the Caribbean, US East Coast, and Bermuda. Storm Imelda has caused two deaths in Cuba due to a landslide destroying multiple homes.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for various parts of the United Kingdom as Storm Amy intensifies rapidly and is set to hit land on Friday. The storm is predicted to bring very strong winds and heavy rain to northern and western regions, causing disruptions on Friday and Saturday.
According to the Met Office, westerly winds will strengthen on Friday, spreading from west to east overnight. Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected in many areas, possibly reaching 60 to 70 mph in some locations. Coastal and hilly areas could experience gusts exceeding 80 mph, especially in northern Scotland, leading to challenging driving conditions.
Additionally, heavy rain is expected, primarily in western Scotland. The strong winds are likely to ease for most regions by Saturday afternoon, persisting in the Northern Isles and parts of northern Scotland until late evening.
There is a risk of power cuts and potential disruptions to services like mobile phone coverage. The Met Office advises preparing for power cuts by stocking up on essentials such as torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack.
To minimize delays, individuals are urged to check road conditions and transportation schedules and adjust travel plans accordingly. Staying informed about changing weather warnings is recommended to ensure preparedness for any unforeseen developments.
