Storm Amy: PSNI issues statement on weather alert and what we should expect

A yellow wind warning is in place for all of NI between 2pm on Friday and midday on Saturday

Police have released key information ahead of Storm Amy and the Amber weather warning for very strong winds on Friday afternoon and evening leading to the potential for damage and disruption.

Weather forecasters say the storm will bring damaging winds, with every county under weather warning and wind speeds could reach up to 80mph along the most exposed coastal areas, with fallen trees and power outages among the potential impacts.

A Met Office yellow wind warning is in place for all of Northern Ireland between 2pm on Friday and midday on Saturday. An additional amber wind warning applies to counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry between 3pm and 8pm.

READ MORE: Storm Amy LIVE updates as NI weather warning sparks school closuresREAD MORE: Track Storm Amy live as wind warnings to come into force across Northern Ireland

The PSNI says multi-agency partners are meeting in response to this weather warning.

You can expect the following:

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
• There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
• Some roads and bridges likely to close
• Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties

Traffic disruption is possible and road users are advised to consider whether your journey is necessary. Take extra care if you must travel. Please reduce your speed because of the possibility of surface water and avoid driving through flood water.

It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place – road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Your journey may take longer than normal.

On Friday morning, the Education Authority (EA) confirmed that a decision had been taken to shut some schools from 12 noon in the interest of the safety of children, young people and staff.

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