Storm Amy: Everything we know so far as strong winds expected to hit NI
There will be potentially up to 60-70 mph gusts
Storm Amy is set to hit Northern Ireland on Friday with yellow and amber weather warnings for wind set to come into force.
The yellow weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office will come into force at 2pm on October 3 and will remain in force until midday on Friday, October 4. A second amber weather warning for wind has also been issued from 3pm on Friday to 8pm, impacting counties Tyrone, Fermanagh, Down and Antrim.
A previous weather warning for rain across NI is already in place and will remain in force until 10pm on Wednesday, October 2.
What has the Met Office said?
For the wind warning, the forecaster 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 should I expect?
The Met Office say:
- There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads
- There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
Emergency numbers
NI Direct say you should note the following numbers in case of emergency:
- emergency services – 999 or 112
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
- Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
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