Schools across Derry to close ahead of Storm Amy

Schools across counties Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh have been told by the Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland to close at noon.

The EA said the decision had been taken in the interests of the safety of children, young people and staff as Storm Amy arrives across the UK and Ireland.

An EA statement said: "All schools located in the areas affected by the amber weather warning in Northern Ireland are required to close at 12midday today (Friday, October 3).

"This decision has been taken in the interests of the safety of children, young people and staff.

"The amber warning covers the western half of Northern Ireland - counties Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh.

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"The Education Authority consulted with the Met Office to ensure there had been no overnight amendments to the alert.

"The alert applies to the period 3pm to 8pm today and is warning of a spell of damaging winds on Friday late afternoon and evening.

"It has cited the potential for power cuts and damage to buildings, including a risk of injuries from flying debris."