Schools across parts of the UK have been ordered to close as Storm Amy sweeps across the British Isles, bringing potentially life-threatening winds and heavy rain.
Forecasters are warning of powerful gales over the weekend, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 95mph in some areas. The Met Office has issued multiple weather alerts, with both yellow and amber warnings in effect.
In Northern Ireland, the Education Authority (EA) announced that schools would close from noon on Friday due to safety concerns. The decision follows an amber wind warning for Antrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Londonderry, in place from 3pm to 8pm. A wider yellow wind warning covers the entire region from 2pm Friday to midday Saturday.
An EA spokesperson said “the amber warning covers the western half of Northern Ireland. After consultation with the Met Office, and in the interest of the safety of children, young people and staff, schools will close early.”
The Met Office warned of a spell of damaging south to south-westerly winds during Friday afternoon and evening. Potential hazards include power outages, damage to buildings, flying debris, and transport disruptions. The agency also warned of dangerous coastal conditions due to large waves.
Warnings Widen as Storm Intensifies
In the Republic of Ireland, Met Éireann has issued a nationwide yellow wind warning from midday to midnight on Friday. Gale-force winds are expected in western and north-western counties.
An orange wind warning indicating more severe conditions now includes Clare, along with Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo. This warning is active from 2pm to 10pm on Friday.
Met Éireann warned of severe coastal gusts, large waves and flooding risk, power cuts and fallen trees, dangerous travel conditions.
A status red marine warning the highest level is also in place for sea areas from Loop Head to Rossan Point to Fair Head from 2pm to 8pm. Warnings will extend into Saturday, with yellow alerts for wind covering Dublin, Louth, and Wicklow from 6am to midday.
Other Saturday alerts include; Combined wind and rain warning for Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo (midnight to noon), Wind warning for Clare, Kerry, Galway, and Mayo (midnight to noon). Both the Met Office and Met Éireann have advised the public to expect “Disruptions to public transport, Longer travel times, Mobile service interruptions, Structural damage and flying debris posing a risk to life”
Authorities are urging people in affected areas to remain indoors during peak wind periods and to avoid unnecessary travel.
