Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Friday 5pm
End time estimate: Saturday 7am
Storm Amy prompts the Met Office to issue a Yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland for Friday and Saturday.
The region will be affected by hazardous winds, starting at around 5pm on Friday. The strong winds will continue battering the area until Saturday 7am.
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 strong winds to Northern Ireland during Friday and Friday night. Westerly winds will pick up during the afternoon, peaking during the evening with gusts of 50 to 60 mph likely for many areas and could reach 60 to 70 mph for a time. Exposed coasts and hills will see the highest gusts which could exceed 70 mph. Strong winds will also be accompanied by spells of heavy rain.”
What to expect
Delays to road, rail, air and ferry services are likely.; There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close; There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs; There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris; There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
What should you do during high 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.
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 7am on Saturday.