Storm Amy: Education Authority issue update on emergency early school closures
Schools in Northern Ireland areas due to be impacted by today's amber weather warning will close at midday on Friday
The Education Authority has issued an update on emergency early school closures in NI due to Storm Amy.
Earlier on Friday, it was announced that schools in areas impacted by an amber weather warning issued by the Met Office would close at 12pm on October 3.
The amber wind warning covers the western half of Northern Ireland - Co Antrim, Co Derry, Co Tyrone and Co Fermanagh. The alert will come into force at 3pm and will remain in place until 8pm.
A yellow wind warning is also in place for all of Northern Ireland between 2pm on Friday and 23.59pm on Saturday.
The Education Authority says it 'very much regrets the disruption today for schools, children and families' but underline "that safety is our highest priority".
An update said: "The Education Authority’s yellow school buses will be transporting children from the schools that are closing early and normally have a yellow bus service, however, there might be delays to normal timetables. Yellow bus services will be prioritised for Special Schools in the affected areas.
"EA transport (yellow buses) for school trips and swimming have been cancelled across all areas to free up capacity for the response.
"We have been liaising with Translink who are working hard to provide as many buses as possible for the early closures.
"The closure decision relates to schools located in counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh. They are required to close at 12 midday today, Friday 03 October 2025.
"The amber weather warning issued by the Met Office applies specifically to these four counties.
"Our decision has been taken in the interests of the safety of children, young people and staff."
It added: "The amber alert cited the potential for power cuts and damage to buildings, including a risk of injuries from flying debris.
"Schools, parents and children outside the amber areas should follow the safety advice in relation to Storm Amy." You can view safety advice on NI Direct here.
The Education Authorty added that schools outside the amber alert counties can make individual decisions at their own discretion, for instance on pupils and staff who live in the amber areas.
For live updates on Storm Amy across Northern Ireland, check out our blog here.
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