Warning: Amber

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Friday 4pm

End time estimate: Friday 9pm

The Met Office has announced an Amber wind warning for Northern Ireland for Friday, with conditions linked to Storm Amy.

Strong gusts will batter the region. The high winds are expected to start on Friday at around 4pm and continue until 9pm.

The Amber warning for wind was issued at 9:06pm on Thursday, October 2.

A Met Office forecast said: “A period of damaging south to southwesterly winds are likely during the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday, with gusts of 60-70 mph inland and up to 80 mph along some more exposed coasts. Given this will coincide with the evening commute in many areas, this may lead to some disruption. Whilst winds may ease slightly later in the evening, it will likely remain windy overnight and into Saturday morning – this aspect is covered by a separate yellow warning.”

What to expect

There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected; Some roads and bridges likely to close; Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life; Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties; Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.

What should you do?

Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions:

• Drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts

• Be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking

• Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual

Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees.

In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

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.

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.

Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

What is an amber 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 Amber weather alert for wind will remain in place until 9pm on Friday.