Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected area: Multiple, listed below
Start time estimate: Friday 7pm
End time estimate: Sunday 12am
The Met Office has issued a Yellow wind warning for several regions across the UK from Friday to Sunday, with conditions linked to Storm Amy.
The warning is covering parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, North East England, North West England, Orkney and Shetland, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, Wales. All local areas affected are listed below.
Strong winds are expected to batter the regions, arriving across the areas at around 7pm on Friday and will continue lashing until Sunday 12am.
The Yellow warning for wind was announced at 11:53am on Wednesday, October 1.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Amy is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds to many parts of northern Britain later on Friday and into Saturday. Westerly winds will pick up during Friday, initially in the west before extending eastwards during Friday night. Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are likely for many areas and may reach 60 to 70 mph in some places for a time. Exposed coasts and hills will see the highest gusts which could exceed 80 mph. The strongest winds currently look more likely over parts of northern Scotland. This will lead to difficult driving conditions for high sided vehicles on prone routes such as cross winds on exposed or high level routes. The very strong winds will also be accompanied by spells of heavy rain, most persistent across parts of western Scotland. The winds will ease for most parts on Saturday afternoon but will continue to be very strong for the Northern Isles and parts of the far north of Scotland through to the end of the day before slowly easing overnight.”
What to expect
Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible; Some roads and bridges may close; Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties; Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible.
What should you do during intense winds?
What should I do? Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
Full list of local areas affected
Central, Tayside and Fife
Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling
Grampian
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray
Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland
North East England
Northumberland
North West England
Blackpool, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside
Orkney and Shetland
Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire
Wales
Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey
What is a yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for wind will remain in effect until 12am on Sunday.