The entire United Kingdom is preparing for severe weather conditions in the next 36 hours, as a yellow weather warning has been issued for strong winds across the country on Friday and Saturday. Storm Amy has led to alerts for heavy rain and winds reaching up to 100mph on Friday, with additional strong and gusty winds expected on Saturday. The Midlands, North of England, Ireland, and Scotland are already under yellow weather warnings for wind and rain.
Amber weather warnings for wind are in effect for parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland, where damaging winds of up to 80mph are anticipated, reaching 100mph in exposed areas. The Met Office highlighted specific regions like Tiree, western Lochaber, and Skye in western Scotland as potentially facing extreme wind speeds.
The Met Office has extended yellow weather warnings for wind to cover all UK areas on Saturday, including southern England and Wales, where strong and gusty winds are forecasted. Wind speeds are expected to reach 45-55 mph in some places and up to 60-65 mph along exposed coasts and hills, particularly in the west.
In Northern Ireland, adverse conditions have forced many schools to close early, while ferry services between Scotland and Northern Ireland have been canceled. Flood warnings are in place in parts of Scotland, with potential disruptions on roads and railways. Schools in Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh have been advised to close at noon for safety reasons.
Areas in the Highlands and Western Isles are warned of life-threatening risks from flying debris, power outages, road closures, and building damage. The Met Office cautioned about hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes, due to crosswinds.
Despite winds easing in most areas on Saturday afternoon, the Northern Isles and parts of far north Scotland are expected to experience very strong winds until late Saturday, gradually diminishing overnight.
