Storm Amy sparks weather warnings for whole of UK and Ireland as schools close early. Image: Sky News.
(The Post News)– Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, has triggered widespread weather warnings across the UK and Ireland forcing schools to close early.
Reports indicate that the storm developed in the North Atlantic due to remnants of hurricanes Humberto and Imelda combining with a strong jet stream.
In Northern Ireland, schools in Counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh were advised to close from midday Friday to ensure learners and staff safety. Meanwhile, in the Republic of Ireland, Met Éireann issued a red wind warning for County Donegal, urging residents to “shelter in place” until 6pm.
According to Ireland, multiple ferry sailings between Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway and Northern Ireland were cancelled from midday, according to Police Scotland, with warnings issued to travellers not to attempt journeys without checking for updates.
ScotRail also confirmed that several railway lines in northern Scotland would be closed from 6pm Friday, with speed restrictions on all other routes starting an hour later.
“These measures are in place to protect our passengers and staff. Winds are forecast to exceed 80mph in parts of the Highlands, which presents a serious hazard to rail operations,” said a ScotRail spokesperson.
Yellow warnings for rain cover large parts of Northern Ireland, western Scotland, and northern England, with the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and already saturated ground.
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