A significant number of schools are being instructed to close as Storm Amy wreaks havoc across the UK. The Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland has directed schools in Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh to shut down at noon for the safety of children, young individuals, and staff due to the impact of Storm Amy in the UK and Ireland.
The EA, in collaboration with the Met Office, has issued an amber warning for the western half of Northern Ireland, encompassing counties Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh. The alert, effective from 3pm to 8pm, cautions of potentially damaging winds on Friday afternoon and evening, posing risks such as power outages, building damage, and potential injuries from flying debris.
In Scotland, adverse weather conditions have led to the closure of several schools. Glassary Primary School in Argyll and Bute is shut due to flooding, while Dingwall Primary and its associated nursery in the Highlands are also closed. In the Western Isles, schools and nurseries in Uist and Barra will close at lunchtime, with those in Harris and Lewis closing at their regular times. Additionally, all day nursery operations scheduled until 5.30pm will now align with the closure times of their respective schools.
Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, has triggered weather warnings across Britain, forecasting heavy rain and strong winds up to 95mph. The north and west of Scotland are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with an amber warning in place for “damaging winds” from 5pm on Friday to 9am Saturday. Residents in parts of the Highlands and Western Isles have been alerted to the risk of life-threatening flying debris, power interruptions, road closures, and structural damage.
Various regions in the UK are under yellow warnings for wind and rain, with gusts reaching up to 70mph in many areas and potentially 95mph in exposed regions. The Met Office advises that Storm Amy will usher in strong winds across northern and western Britain, intensifying on Friday and continuing into Saturday, with the most severe winds likely in northern and western Scotland.
BBC Scotland weather presenter Gillian Smart notes the severity of Storm Amy, particularly in Argyll, the Highlands, and Islands, where winds of 60 to 70mph are forecast, potentially exceeding 95mph in exposed areas. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and disruptive winds, leading to tree damage and power supply disruptions. The weather is anticipated to remain stormy into Saturday, gradually easing into calmer conditions on Sunday.
