Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, has brought widespread devastation to parts of the UK and Ireland, with wind gusts exceeding 90mph, resulting in one fatality and leaving hundreds of thousands of properties without electricity.
Tragic Fatality in Co Donegal
Irish police confirmed the tragic death of a man in his 40s in the Letterkenny area of Co Donegal, Republic of Ireland, which is being treated as weather-related. The fatality occurred during a period when residents in the county were under a maximum Red Warning and advised to “shelter in place” until 6pm on Friday.
Record Winds and Massive Power Cuts
The storm unleashed ferocious winds, with the Scottish island of Tiree recording the highest gust at 96mph. A provisional new October wind gust record for Northern Ireland was also set, with 92mph winds measured at Magilligan in County Londonderry. Capel Curig in North Wales saw winds of 85mph along with 43mm of rain.
The strong winds have caused massive power outages:
- Approximately 184,000 homes, farms, and businesses across the Republic of Ireland were without power, according to the Electricity Supply Board (ESB).
- In Northern Ireland, 50,000 properties were cut off, NIE Networks confirmed.
Widespread Disruption and Warnings
A Yellow Weather Warning covers the whole of Britain from midnight, remaining in force for most of Saturday. The worst gusts were in the North, but the Met Office warned it would be very windy everywhere, with gusts of 45-55mph likely elsewhere across the UK.
An Amber Warning, indicating a potential danger to life, was in place for exposed coastal and hilly areas, particularly in Scotland’s far north, where gusts of 90mph could again be seen.
The severe conditions have led to:
- Disruption to public transport, with ScotRail shutting some lines and imposing speed restrictions. Disruption is anticipated to extend into Saturday and possibly Sunday.
- Many schools in Northern Ireland were advised to close at midday on Friday.
- Hazardous driving conditions due to heavy rain and strong crosswinds, especially for high-sided vehicles.
- Potential for power cuts, flying debris, and dangerous waves.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell stated that while the strongest gusts would ease slightly into Saturday morning, high winds would continue, potentially bringing “disruption and also some damage in places.” The storm is expected to ease for the majority of the country on Sunday as it moves towards Scandinavia.
