Storm Amy set to disrupt travel across UK with winds reaching 95mph

Published: 03 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, is poised to bring severe weather across the United Kingdom, prompting warnings of heavy rain, powerful winds, and widespread travel disruption as it moves in from the north and west. Forecasters are cautioning residents and commuters to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions over the coming days.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for “damaging winds” across northern and western Scotland, in effect from 5pm on Friday through 9am on Saturday. Residents in the Highlands and Western Isles are particularly at risk, with warnings of flying debris, possible power outages, road closures, and structural damage to buildings. Exposed areas could see gusts reaching up to 95mph, while more general areas may experience winds between 50mph and 70mph.

Alongside the wind warnings, a series of yellow alerts have been issued for rain and wind across Scotland, the north of England, and western Wales. Scotland, from Dumfries to the northernmost mainland, is under a yellow rain warning from noon Friday to 3pm Saturday. Northwestern England, including the Lake District, faces similar conditions from Friday afternoon to midnight, while Northern Ireland is braced for high winds from 2pm Friday until noon Saturday.

The Met Office advised that the strongest winds would be concentrated in northern and western Scotland, particularly affecting the Northern Isles and other exposed locations. While conditions are expected to improve for most areas on Saturday afternoon, the far north of Scotland may continue to experience strong winds well into the evening. Drivers are urged to take extra care, especially those operating high-sided vehicles, which are particularly vulnerable in storm conditions.

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop emphasized the importance of planning ahead for travel. “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,” she said.

ScotRail has announced that several railway lines will close from 6pm Friday due to safety concerns, with no replacement transport available. Routes affected include Mallaig to Fort William, Fort William to Crianlarich, Inverness to Aberdeen, Inverness to Wick/Thurso, Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, and Perth to Inverness. On all other lines, speed restrictions will be implemented from 7pm Friday until the end of service.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s Service Delivery Director, highlighted the importance of safety: “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.” Disruption may continue into Saturday and possibly Sunday while Network Rail conducts safety inspections for potential damage or obstructions along the lines.

Police Scotland also issued safety guidance for drivers. Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of road policing, stressed the need for caution on wet and windy roads. “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,” he said.

Authorities have urged both residents and travellers to stay informed about the evolving weather situation and heed official guidance. The combination of high winds and heavy rain poses significant risks to transport infrastructure, public safety, and daily routines across much of the UK.

With the northern and western regions of Scotland expected to face the brunt of the storm, emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to incidents ranging from road accidents to fallen trees and power outages. Meanwhile, residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items, prepare for potential disruptions to electricity and communication services, and avoid non-essential travel where possible.

The arrival of Storm Amy marks the first major weather challenge of the UK’s autumn season, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure and communities to increasingly volatile weather patterns. While meteorologists expect conditions to gradually improve over the weekend, the storm serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of severe weather.