Schools to shut early and transport disrupted as Storm Amy sweeps in

Schools in Northern Ireland have been told to close early as Storm Amy sweeps in from the Atlantic.

Ferry sailings between Scotland and Northern Ireland have been cancelled and there are flood warnings in place for parts of Scotland, with disruption on roads and railways also expected.

The first named storm of the season has prompted weather warnings throughout the country for heavy rain and strong winds of up to 95mph on Friday.

Schools across counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh have been told by the Education Authority in Northern Ireland to close at noon due to safety concerns.

The north and west of Scotland will be worst hit by the storm on the British mainland, with a Met Office amber warning for “damaging winds” in place from 5pm on Friday until 9am on Saturday.

Those living in parts of the Highlands and Western Isles have been warned of a “danger to life” from flying debris, potential power cuts as well as road closures and damage to buildings.

A number of ferry sailings between Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway and Larne in Co Antrim have been cancelled from midday on Friday.

Flood warnings are also in place for parts of Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway as the heavy rain causes rivers to rise over Friday night.

ScotRail said several railway lines in northern Scotland will close from 6pm on Friday due to the conditions, while speed restrictions will be in place on all other routes from 7pm.

All of Scotland, the north of England and the most western parts of Wales will also fall under yellow warning for wind from 3pm on Friday until the start of Sunday.

A long strip of Scotland running from Dumfries up to the northern-most part of the mainland will also fall under a yellow rain warning from 12pm on Friday to 3pm on Saturday.

A yellow rain warning is also in place for the north-west of England, including the Lake District, from 3pm until midnight.

In Northern Ireland, a yellow warning for wind is in place from 2pm on Friday until noon on Saturday.

The Met Office warned of gusts up to 70mph will be felt “fairly widely”, while “more exposed areas” could see winds of up to 95mph along with spells of heavy rain across the country.

The forecaster said: “Storm Amy is expected to bring a spell of strong winds to many parts of northern and western Britain later on Friday and overnight into Saturday.

“South to south-westerly winds will increase during Friday, initially in the west before extending eastwards during Friday night.

“Gusts of 50-60mph are likely in many areas, and may reach 60-70mph in more exposed parts.

“The strongest winds are most likely across portions of northern and western Scotland, where gusts in excess of 90mph are possible – this is covered by a separate amber warning for the Friday night period.”

The Met Office warned of difficult driving conditions at the weekend, especially for high-sided vehicles on prone routes, such as crosswinds on exposed or high-level routes.

It went on: “Winds will ease for most parts through Saturday afternoon, but will continue to be very strong for the Northern Isles and parts of the far north of Scotland through to the end of Saturday, before slowly easing overnight.”

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop urged people to check conditions before travelling.

She said: “Motorists will face difficult driving conditions, so it’s vital people plan ahead if they have to travel to see if their route is impacted by the weather.

“Travellers should check the latest information before they set off, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.”

ScotRail is advising customers to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling on Friday.

It said some lines will close from 6pm on Friday due to forecast wind gusts and heavy rain, with no replacement transport.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to keep people moving where it’s safe to do so.

“The Met Office amber warning for high winds during Storm Amy means that some routes will have to close, and speed restrictions will be in place across Scotland’s Railway.

“We know how frustrating disruption can be, but these measures are essential to protect our customers and staff.”

The train operator anticipates that some disruption to services will extend into Saturday, and possibly Sunday, while Network Rail carries out safety checks for obstructions on the line and damage to any infrastructure.

Network Rail also urged people living near railways to “secure any loose garden furniture, sheds and trampolines, to avoid tracks being blocked by debris”.

Police urged motorists to drive carefully.

Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, said: “I would encourage people to drive to the conditions and be aware of increased stopping distances.

“In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.

“Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.”