Storm Amy has reached the UK, prompting amber weather warnings across western Scotland and Northern Ireland. The first named storm of the season brings the threat of winds reaching 100mph in exposed coastal areas.
Yellow weather warnings were already active from midday Friday, but authorities escalated these to amber warnings due to the potential for flying debris to create life-threatening conditions. The severe weather is expected to spread southward, with all UK regions facing yellow warnings for Saturday.
Transport chaos across Scotland
Major transport networks have been severely disrupted as Storm Amy intensifies. The Forth Road Bridge has closed completely to all traffic, while numerous other bridges restrict access for high-sided vehicles.
Ferry services from western Scotland have been cancelled, and several railway lines in northern Scotland will shut down Friday evening. ScotRail has imposed speed restrictions across all remaining routes, with no replacement transport available.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "Safety is always our top priority and we're working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to keep people moving where it's safe to do so. The Met Office amber warning for high winds during Storm Amy means that some routes will have to close, and speed restrictions will be in place across Scotland's Railway."
Severe weather warnings intensify
The Met Office confirmed Friday afternoon that Storm Amy will deliver sustained strong winds across northern and western Britain through Friday night into Saturday. South to south-westerly winds will strengthen during Friday, initially affecting western areas before spreading eastward.
"Gusts of 50-60mph are likely in many areas, and may reach 60-70mph in more exposed parts," the Met Office stated. "The strongest winds are most likely across portions of northern and western Scotland, where gusts in excess of 90mph are possible."
Heavy rainfall will accompany the powerful winds, creating particularly hazardous driving conditions for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes. Residents in the Highlands and Western Isles face warnings of potential power cuts, road closures, and building damage.
Power networks prepare for impact
Energy companies are mobilising engineering teams to areas expected to bear the brunt of Storm Amy's impact. SP Energy Networks has positioned crews strategically to respond rapidly to any power disruptions.
Aileen Rourke of SP Energy Networks said: "When extreme weather hits, the potential for damage to our power lines increases, which means power cuts can become more likely. We're currently mobilising teams of engineers to the areas where we expect the weather to have the most impact so we can respond as quickly as possible."
Flood warnings remain active for parts of Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway as heavy rainfall threatens to cause rivers to overflow Friday night. Network Rail has urged residents near railway lines to secure loose garden furniture and trampolines to prevent track blockages.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
