Storm Amy Wreaks Havoc Across UK and Ireland, Claims One Life

Published: 05 October ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

Storm Amy has continued to batter the UK and Ireland, bringing widespread disruption, power outages, and dangerous conditions, with authorities urging caution and residents to stay updated on evolving weather developments. The storm has already claimed at least one life, as emergency services in Ireland confirmed that a man died in a “weather-related” incident in the Letterkenny area of County Donegal shortly after 4:15pm on Friday.

In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind covering the entirety of the UK for Saturday, with an amber warning in place for northern Scotland until 9pm. The amber warning alerts residents to the risk of “damaging” gusts, which in some exposed areas have exceeded 100mph, creating hazardous conditions for travel and outdoor activity.

The storm has caused widespread power outages, leaving around 42,000 homes without electricity as of Saturday evening. Railway lines, roads, and ferry services have been severely disrupted, while many local authorities have had to close public spaces for safety reasons. In London, all eight of the city’s royal parks, including Hyde Park and Richmond Park, were closed on Saturday due to high winds. A statement on the Royal Parks website confirmed that all park roads, cycleways, cafes, sports venues, and boating facilities would remain closed, with a delayed reopening scheduled for Sunday pending safety inspections.

Scotland has faced particularly severe weather conditions, with further disruption anticipated on Sunday. The north of Scotland is under a renewed amber warning for damaging winds, with gusts exceeding 90mph predicted in certain areas. Most of Scotland, excluding the east coast, is also under a yellow warning for heavy rain, while the yellow wind alert extends across the entire UK. Storm Amy has already set a record for the deepest area of low pressure in the UK for October, registering 947.9 hectopascal at Baltasound in Shetland, surpassing the previous record of 950.9hPa set in 1988.

Infrastructure damage has been significant. A building in Glasgow collapsed onto a car on Friday, prompting road closures in the city center. Power outages were reported across the Highlands and several islands, with the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks working to restore service. Fraser Wilson, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, confirmed that crews were working to reconnect 62,000 homes, but warned that the storm was far from over and that restoration would take time due to ongoing high winds and network damage.

Transport services have been heavily affected, with multiple road closures and restrictions. The Forth Road Bridge remains closed to all traffic, while the Tay Road Bridge has reopened under a 30mph limit and remains closed to high-sided vehicles, alongside the Skye Bridge, Queensferry Crossing, and Clackmannanshire Bridge. CalMac ferry services are also expected to face disruption over the weekend, with many crossings canceled. Authorities have urged residents to delay travel wherever possible and to check service updates before setting out.

Rail networks have experienced significant disruption, with ScotRail warning of “considerable disruption” to services. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s service delivery director, advised passengers to check their journeys in advance via official websites and mobile apps. Network Rail reported that Storm Amy has caused more damage than initially predicted, with over 60 incidents occurring within the first two hours of the storm, including flooding, trees falling onto overhead lines, and debris on tracks. Safety concerns have led to the suspension of all services to and from Glasgow Central while crews survey and repair affected areas.

Meteorologists have highlighted that the storm’s impacts extend beyond high winds, with heavy rainfall posing an additional hazard. Neil Armstrong, chief forecaster at the Met Office, warned that rainfall totals in western Scotland could exceed 30 to 50mm over six to nine hours, increasing the risk of localized flooding. He emphasized that the storm represents a significant autumn weather event, with potential for power cuts, damage to buildings, and widespread travel disruption across Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, and Wales.

Authorities have continued to urge vigilance as the storm progresses, emphasizing that conditions remain hazardous and that residents should avoid unnecessary travel and monitor updates from local councils and weather services. With widespread disruptions to power, transport, and daily life, Storm Amy underscores the growing impact of extreme weather events on communities across the UK and Ireland, highlighting the importance of preparedness and caution during severe storms.