Storm Amy: Closures and disruption across NI and Scotland

Storm Amy has resulted in the closure of hundreds of schools and brought disruption to Northern Ireland and Scotland. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for wind and rain, with gusts posing a risk of injuries from flying debris. The Education Authority in Northern Ireland mandated schools in several counties to close at midday for safety reasons.

An amber warning for wind is in effect on Friday from 15:00 to 20:00 BST in western parts of Northern Ireland and later in Scotland. Gusts of 60-70mph are expected inland and up to 80mph along exposed coasts. Additionally, a yellow warning is in place for Armagh and Down. A yellow rain warning is also active across Northern Ireland.

Strong winds anticipated on Friday could bring down trees and cause large waves in coastal regions. Some exposed areas in northwestern Scotland may experience gusts up to 100mph, while wind speeds of up to 70mph are expected in the amber warning zone and widespread elsewhere. Train and ferry cancellations have been announced as the storm approaches, and junior events for the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Saturday have been canceled.

In the Republic of Ireland, six counties have been issued a status Orange wind warning, which includes Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo. This alert will be in effect from 14:00 to 22:00 (local time), with severe and damaging gusts predicted. A status yellow wind warning has been issued across the entire country until 00:00 on Saturday. Furthermore, a Status Red marine warning will be effective from 14:00 to 20:00 due to violent storm force 11 winds. Dublin Airport has reported flight cancellations, advising travelers to remain in contact with their airline for further updates

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