Storm Amy ripped through Britain overnight, unleashing brutal winds nearing 100mph and relentless rain. Thousands plunged into darkness as power cuts spread across the UK and Ireland. The Met Office slapped down amber weather warnings lasting into Saturday, warning of more mayhem ahead.
Travel Chaos and Power Blackouts Wreak Havoc
Commuters face chaos today with road closures, flooding, and cancelled trains disrupting key routes nationwide. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland remain hammered, with nearly 100,000 homes still blacked out after the storm’s savage assault.
- Tiree in the Hebrides recorded the strongest gust at 96mph.
- Magilligan, Co Londonderry, shattered an October wind record with 92mph.
- The Forth Road Bridge closed both ways; other bridges now restrict traffic to smaller vehicles only.
- Fallen trees forced shutdowns on major roads, including the M9 near Stirling.
- ScotRail and National Rail warn of ongoing train disruptions into the weekend.
Amber and Yellow Warnings Blanket UK
Amber wind warnings remain in northern Scotland until 9pm Saturday. Yellow alerts cover the rest of Scotland, northern England, Wales, and large swathes of the UK — warning of brutal gusts and heavy downpours. Flood warnings flash across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England.
London’s Royal Parks shut all eight parks, including Hyde Park and Richmond Park, over safety fears from the savage winds. Roads, cycleways, cafes, and sports venues are all closed, with delayed openings expected tomorrow while safety checks are carried out.
Storm Aftermath: Fatality, Power Struggles, and Safety Alerts
A man tragically died in a weather-related incident in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, as Ireland grapples with the storm’s fallout. Electricity firms warn power might not be restored for days as crews battle non-stop to fix the damage. NIE Networks’ Alex Houston said, “This is still an evolving picture… it may take a number of days before full restoration.”
Officials warn the public to steer clear of downed power lines and report hazards immediately. The PSNI urges drivers to be extremely cautious amid floodwaters, debris, and road restrictions that remain in place.
Storm Amy is now edging eastwards. The worst weather is expected to ease tonight, though fierce gales will linger in northeast Scotland before calming Sunday. Brighter, drier spells are on the horizon — save for some rain in the northwest.
Originally published on UKNIP