Storm Amy has battered the UK with record-breaking winds and heavy rain, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread travel disruption. The storm, described as one of the most powerful October systems on record, has sparked Met Office amber and yellow warnings across the country. The focus keyword “Storm Amy UK” is central to the ongoing weather crisis, which has impacted homes, transport, and public safety.
A gust of 96mph was recorded overnight in Tiree, in the Inner Hebrides, while Northern Ireland saw its strongest October wind speed on record at 92mph in Magilligan, County Londonderry. The Met Office issued an amber wind warning for northern Scotland until Saturday night, warning of gusts up to 85mph, power cuts, and dangerous flying debris.
The storm also set a new October record for low pressure in the UK, measuring 947.9hPa in Baltasound, Shetland, surpassing the previous record of 950.9hPa in 1988.
Power Cuts and Closures
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) reported that 62,000 customers were reconnected on Saturday morning, but 22,000 properties in Northern Ireland and hundreds in Wales remained without power. SP Energy said just over 1,000 properties in Cumbria were also affected.
All eight of London’s Royal Parks were closed on Saturday due to safety risks, with inspections delaying Sunday openings. Schools in Northern Ireland were shut early on Friday, and rail networks across the region were suspended after multiple trees blocked lines.
Travel Disruption Across the UK
ScotRail reported around 80 fallen trees on routes, suspending all services out of Glasgow Central until at least Saturday afternoon. Several ferries and flights were cancelled, while bridges were closed to high-sided vehicles. Airports urged passengers to check flight updates before traveling.
The Met Office’s yellow wind warning remains in place for much of the UK, with gusts of 45-55mph expected, and up to 65mph in exposed areas. Officials warned that even lower wind speeds could bring down trees, damage infrastructure, and disrupt travel.
Outlook for the Weekend
By Sunday, Storm Amy is forecast to move into the North Sea, bringing drier conditions and lighter winds across the UK. However, heavy showers and blustery conditions will continue in parts of Scotland, England, and Wales before the storm clears.
The Met Office confirmed that the next storm name will be Bram, part of its annual alphabetical list created with public input. Storms can be named by the UK Met Office, Met Éireann, or the Dutch KNMI when medium to high impacts are expected.
