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The UK is bracing for Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, with weather warnings covering the whole country.
The Met Office has issued amber and yellow alerts for damaging winds and heavy rain from Friday into Saturday, with the construction sector warned to expect widespread disruption.
Northern and western Scotland are expected to see the strongest winds, with gusts of 60–70mph widely forecast and the most exposed coastal and highland areas potentially reaching close to 100mph. The storm could cause power cuts, travel delays, damage to buildings and dangerous conditions on site.
Scaffolding contractors, in particular, are being urged to take extra care, as the risk of falling materials and unsafe structures is heightened by the extreme winds. Workers are also advised to plan for site closures and restricted access as conditions worsen.
Rail services in northern Scotland will be suspended from Friday evening, while speed restrictions will be introduced across other routes. Ferry crossings to Northern Ireland have been cancelled, and some schools in Northern Ireland are closing early due to safety concerns.
The storm has developed in the North Atlantic, fueled by the remnants of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, combined with a strong jet stream. Forecasters say heavy rain will spread eastwards on Friday, raising the risk of localised flooding, while Saturday will remain very windy with stormy conditions in northern Scotland.
Storm Amy’s track could shift further south, bringing stronger winds into Scotland’s Central Belt. If it tracks further north, the impacts may be less severe inland, although this currently appears unlikely.
Since 2015, storms have been officially named by the Met Office, Met Éireann and the Dutch weather service to raise public awareness of severe weather risks and ensure timely preparation.
