Storm Amy upgraded to amber warning

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Following Storm Éowyn in January, Scotland is bracing itself for the impact of Storm Amy, which has been upgraded from a yellow to an amber warning for large parts of north and west Scotland. The Met Office has issued a warning for widespread winds reaching 60-70mph, with gusts in excess of 95mph in more exposed areas. The warning is in effect from 17:00 on Friday to 09:00 on Saturday.

Additionally, a yellow warning for wind gusting up to 60mph, and up to 70mph in exposed areas, has been issued for all of Scotland, as well as large parts of north and west England and Wales. This warning is valid from 15:00 on Friday until midnight on Saturday. A separate yellow warning for heavy rain has also been announced for Scotland, with 20-30mm of rain expected in a six to nine-hour period, and 40-50mm over the same time in some hilly areas in the south-west and the southern Highlands.

Speaking on the severity of Storm Amy, BBC Scotland weather presenter Gillian Smart described it as a potent storm, especially for this early in the season. An amber warning has been put in place for regions such as Argyll, the Highlands, Islands, Moray, and Orkney. The storm is expected to bring winds of 60 to 70mph, potentially exceeding 95mph in exposed areas, leading to downed trees and power supply disruptions. The storm’s peak is anticipated from Friday evening into the early hours of Saturday.

Meteorological expert Dr. Simon Lee explained that Storm Amy evolved from Hurricane Humberto in the western Atlantic, likening it to a surfer catching the jet stream to intensify rapidly. The AA has advised drivers to prepare for the severe weather event by planning ahead and being cautious on the roads, especially as high winds can make driving challenging, and surface water may pose additional risks. It is recommended to find alternative routes if faced with flooded roads to avoid potential dangers

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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