A significant number of schools are facing closures as Storm Amy wreaks havoc across the UK. The Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland has instructed schools in counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh to shut down at noon for the safety of students, young individuals, and staff. The decision comes as Storm Amy sweeps through the UK and Ireland.
According to the EA, an amber weather warning is in place for the western half of Northern Ireland, encompassing counties Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh. The EA collaborated with the Met Office to confirm that there were no overnight alterations to the alert.
The warning is effective from 3 pm to 8 pm and cautions of potentially damaging winds on Friday afternoon and evening, posing risks such as power outages, building damages, and injuries from airborne debris.
In Scotland, adverse weather conditions have also forced several school closures. Glassary Primary School in Argyll and Bute is closed due to flooding, while Dingwall Primary and its associated nursery in the Highlands are also shut. Schools in the Western Isles will close around lunchtime, with adjustments made to nursery operating hours.
Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, has triggered weather alerts across Britain, forecasting heavy rain and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 95mph. Northern and western Scotland are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with an amber warning in place for damaging winds from Friday evening until Saturday morning.
Residents in the Highlands and Western Isles are advised of potential life-threatening conditions from flying debris, power interruptions, road closures, and structural damages. Additionally, Scotland, northern England, and western Wales fall under a yellow wind warning from Friday afternoon until Sunday.
Furthermore, a yellow rain warning is issued for north-west England, including the Lake District, and a yellow wind warning is in place for Northern Ireland. The Met Office forecasts gusts reaching up to 70mph in many areas and up to 95mph in exposed regions, accompanied by heavy rainfall.
BBC Scotland weather presenter Gillian Smart highlighted the severity of Storm Amy, emphasizing the potential for damaging winds reaching 60-70mph and possibly exceeding 95mph in certain areas. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and disruptions to power supply, particularly in western Scotland.
As the storm progresses into the weekend, conditions are expected to remain tumultuous before calming down by Sunday, with the Northern Isles experiencing sustained high winds. Sunday is anticipated to bring more stable weather conditions.
