The Met Office has issued yellow wind and rain warnings as Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, is set to batter northern parts of the UK from late Friday into Saturday. Forecasters predict gale-force winds exceeding 80mph and heavy rainfall, particularly affecting Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern and north-west England.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree noted uncertainty in the storm's exact track but warned of widespread gusts of 50-60mph inland in northern Britain, with potential peaks of 70-80mph. Exposed coasts and hills, mainly in the north-west, could experience even stronger gusts. Heavy rainfall is expected, especially over western Scotland, where totals may exceed 30-50mm in six to nine hours, raising the risk of localised flooding.
Transport Scotland has urged travellers to check the Traffic Scotland website and contact operators before journeys, as disruption to road, rail, ferry, and air services is anticipated. Martin Thomson, a Transport Scotland spokesperson, highlighted difficult driving conditions due to reduced visibility and surface water, and advised planning ahead.
The Met Office has named storms since 2015 to improve communication of high-impact weather. This season's names run from Amy to Wubbo, excluding Q, U, X, Y, and Z to align with US naming conventions. The previous season saw 12 named storms, while 2024-25 had six.
Before Storm Amy arrives, a separate yellow rain warning is in effect for west and north-west Scotland from 5pm Wednesday until the end of Thursday.
