Dublin/London– The first named storm of the season, Storm Amy, is set to impact Ireland and the UK from Thursday through the weekend, prompting Met Éireann and the UK Met Office to issue Status Yellow weather warnings for both wind and rain. Storm Amy’s rapid development is being influenced by the remnants of former tropical cyclones over the Atlantic.
Impact on Ireland (Met Éireann Warnings)
Met Éireann has issued multiple warnings as the storm approaches:
- Rain Warning (Status Yellow): A rain warning is in effect for Cavan, Donegal, Munster, Connacht, and Longford from 6 AM to 8 PM tomorrow, Thursday, October 2nd. Forecasters warn of widespread, heavy rain leading to a risk of localised flooding, blocked drains, and difficult travelling conditions.
- Wind Warning (Status Yellow – National): The entire country will be under a wind warning on Friday, October 3rd, from 12 PM until 12 AM on Saturday, October 4th. Strong to near gale-force and gusty southwesterly winds are forecast. Potential impacts include difficult travel, displacement of debris/loose objects, and possible fallen trees.
- Marine Warnings: Gale warnings are also in place for all Irish coasts, with winds expected to reach gale force 8 or strong gale force 9 on Friday.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week, with strong and gusty westerly winds persisting on Saturday, despite some anticipated sunny spells.
Impact on UK and Northern Ireland (Met Office Warnings)
The UK Met Office, which named the storm, has issued severe warnings, particularly for northern and western regions:
- Northern Ireland Wind Warning (Status Yellow): All counties—Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry—will be under a wind warning from 4 PM on Friday, October 3rd, until 6 AM on Saturday, October 4th. Winds of 50 to 60 mph are likely, with exposed coasts possibly seeing gusts exceeding 70 mph.
- Scotland Rain Warning (Status Yellow): Heavy and persistent rain is expected across much of western and southern Scotland from late Wednesday through to early Friday. Rainfall totals are predicted to reach 50-75mm widely, with 100-150mm over west-facing mountains. This heavy rainfall raises the risk of transport disruption and landslides.
- Widespread Strong Winds: The Met Office warns of gale-force winds across northern Britain on Friday and Saturday, with gusts on exposed coasts and hills potentially exceeding 80 mph.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued three flood alerts, specifically for Argyll and Bute, Skye and Lochaber, and Wester Ross, in response to the heavy rain forecast.
Met Éireann and the Met Office have advised the public to stay updated on the latest forecasts as the exact track and intensity of Storm Amy may still change.
