Warning: Amber
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, Strathclyde
Start time estimate: Friday 6pm
End time estimate: Saturday 10am
Storm Amy prompts the Met Office to issue an Amber wind warning for several regions across the UK for Friday and Saturday.
The warning is covering parts of Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.
High winds are set to hit several areas on Friday at around 6pm. The severe winds are expected to continue sweeping through the areas until Saturday 10am.
The Amber warning for wind was issued at 11:27am on Thursday, October 2.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Amy will bring a spell of damaging winds, initially in western areas during Friday evening before gradually transferring northeastwards through the night and into early Saturday. During this period, wind gusts of 60-70 mph are likely fairly widely, and may exceed 95 mph in more exposed areas. This is likely to lead to travel and power disruption.”
What to expect
Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down; Flying debris could result in a danger to life; Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights; There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
What should you 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. Windy weather can cause delays and make travel conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys. Check bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. If driving, check road conditions and ensure you have essentials in your car (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an in-car phone charger). 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 regions affected
Grampian
Moray
Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland
Orkney and Shetland
Orkney Islands
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute
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 effect until 10am on Saturday.