Storm Amy live updates: Weather warnings extended to cover entire UK ahead of 100mph winds and heavy rain – UK Times

Geologists from the British Geological Survey have warned that the conditions forecast over the weekend have a potential to trigger landslides in the hardest-hit areas.

Western Scotland is forecast to see the strongest winds and rain, with an amber weather warning issued from Friday to Saturday morning.

Claire Dashwood, engineering geohazards geologist at the BGS, said: “Records show that landslides have been triggered in western Scotland by similar amounts of rainfall to that being forecast this week.

“Both natural and infrastructure slopes are likely to be affected with potential for disruption to roads and railway within the warning area, this could be particularly impactful in this area due to the presence of isolated communities and long diversion routes.”

With gusts of up to 100mph forecast, Storm Amy is set to be one of the most forceful to hit the UK in some time.

Past named storms since 2015 have seen gusts reaching 80-90mph, the Met Office says.

The highest wind gust recorded in the UK in October is 124 mph recorded at Rhoose, South Glamorgan, on 28 October 1989.

The highest gust speed recorded in Scotland in October is 106 mph recorded at Salsburgh, Lanarkshire, on 18 October 1984.

However, both of these events occurred before the Met Office started naming storms in 2015.

The Met Office says “it is possible” that Scotland could see record-breaking October wind gusts over the weekend.

Storm Amy is expected to cause damage to property this weekend, especially in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Paul Collins, technical director of NICEIC, has shared the group’s expert tips to deal with power outages.

First, having a ‘storm essentials’ kit will go a long way. The worst conditions have not yet hit most of the UK, so it may be worth considering stocking up.

Mr Collins said: “A fully charged torch is a must during a power cut. Keep your phone battery for communication purposes and for updates from your electricity provider. If possible, store a torch on every floor of the house in an accessible place – one being next to your bed – plus some extra batteries (if required).”

He also advises that households alert their provider as soon as they experience a power outage, as it may not be aware of the issue. This can speed up the process of having power reconnected.

Storm Amy is not set to begin clearing until Sunday morning, when it will move towards Scandinavia.

This means the adverse and often hazardous weather will remain for most of Saturday, with several yellow and amber weather warnings in place.

The Met Office has mapped how the storm will travel across the day:

A provisional new October wind gust record for Northern Ireland has been set as 92mph winds were measured at Magilligan in Co Londonderry, the Met Office has said.

The forecaster said the gust was recorded on Friday evening as Storm Amy swept the country.

As Storm Amy batters the UK, it is useful to know how to stay safe in hazardous weather conditions.

Guidance from the Met Office advises what to do at every stage of the storm to ensure people stay safe and property undamaged.

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences – if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
• Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress
• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
• Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you
• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
• Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle
• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary

The Met Office put fresh yellow and amber weather warnings in place today as Storm Amy spreads across the country.

Every single region in the UK will be hit by the strong rain and wind, with no area not covered by at least a yellow warning.

Most of Scotland, the north of England and east of Wales are forecast to feel the worst effects from 3pm Friday, lasting until the end of Saturday.

The adverse conditions will then reach the rest of Wales and southern and midlands regions of England from 3pm on Saturday, from midnight to 7pm.

The amber warning that was in place on Friday for most of western Scotland will now continue into Saturday until late evening, shifting over northern Scotland.

Geologists from the British Geological Survey have warned that the conditions forecast over the weekend have a potential to trigger landslides in the hardest-hit areas.

Western Scotland is forecast to see the strongest winds and rain, with an amber weather warning issued from Friday to Saturday morning.

Claire Dashwood, engineering geohazards geologist at the BGS, said: “Records show that landslides have been triggered in western Scotland by similar amounts of rainfall to that being forecast this week.

“Both natural and infrastructure slopes are likely to be affected with potential for disruption to roads and railway within the warning area, this could be particularly impactful in this area due to the presence of isolated communities and long diversion routes.”

Approximately 184,000 homes, farms and businesses across the Republic of Ireland were without power at 5.15pm during Storm Amy, according to electricity suppliers.

The ESB said affected properties were predominantly in counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Donegal.

It also warned that further “power outages can be expected”.

A spokesman said: “Crews will continue the restoration work for as long as possible this evening, but it is likely that the majority of customers will not have their power restored tonight due to the hazardous weather conditions and accessibility challenges.”