The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning as Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, approaches the UK. The warning, which comes into force on Friday, covers areas of Scotland including Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and Strathclyde. This is the first amber warning since Storm Floris in August.
Storm Amy, currently developing in the Atlantic, is expected to bring impactful wet and windy weather to much of Scotland, northwest England, and northwest Wales. Gusts could exceed 95mph in some areas, with 60 to 70mph winds more widely within the amber zone. The Met Office has warned of potential power cuts, damage to buildings and trees, and risks to life from flying debris.
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: 'Storm Amy brings a risk of power cuts and damage to buildings and trees. Gusts around 60 to 70mph are expected more widely in the Amber warning area, in what will be an impactful autumn storm for many in Scotland.'
In addition to the amber warning, yellow warnings are in place for parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland from Thursday evening. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected, with the potential for travel disruption. The Met Office noted that the storm's development is influenced by the remnants of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which have accelerated the jet stream.
Looking ahead, the UK can expect a windy Friday with rain spreading eastwards, followed by a brief settled period before Storm Amy arrives. The storm will bring severe gales and heavy rain on Friday, with conditions slowly easing from Sunday into the new week.
