Storm Amy Set to Batter UK with Winds Up to 80mph and Torrential Rain
Storm Amy has been officially named by the Met Office as the first major weather system of the 2025/26 season. Set to hit the UK on Friday, 3rd October, the storm is expected to bring very strong winds and heavy rain to northern and western areas, triggering multiple yellow weather warnings for wind and rain through Saturday night.
Storm Amy has developed rapidly due to an accelerated jet stream, influenced by the remnants of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda over the tropical Atlantic. Although these tropical systems won't hit the UK directly, they’ve helped fuel the intensification of Amy.
According to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree, "Although there is still some uncertainty about the exact track Storm Amy will take, the system will bring gale force winds across northern and western regions, with gusts widely reaching 50 to 60 miles per hour inland in northern Britain, and potentially reaching 70 to 80 miles per hour in places. With even stronger gusts on exposed coasts and hills, mainly in the northwest."
Heavy rain will also be a major concern, especially in western Scotland, where 30-50mm of rainfall is expected in just 6–9 hours — and up to 80mm in some mountainous areas. The risk of flooding and landslides is high due to already saturated ground from earlier storms this week.
Martin Thomson from Transport Scotland has warned: “Storm Amy is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Scotland and we expect to see disruption to the transport network in the warning areas. The rain and wind will bring difficult driving conditions, such as reduced visibility and surface water, and are also likely to affect the ferry and rail networks, so it’s important to plan your journey ahead of time.”
When and Where
- Friday morning: Wet and windy weather builds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and western parts of England and Wales.
- Friday afternoon to Saturday evening: Amy moves close to Scotland, bringing its strongest winds and heaviest rain.
- Saturday: Winds ease gradually, but still remain strong, especially in the Northern Isles.
Gusts are expected to peak at:
- 50–60mph inland
- 70–80mph on exposed coasts and hills
- Up to 80mph in northwest Scotland
- Across the UK, widespread gusts of 40–55mph could still cause further disruption into Saturday.
Expect:
- Possible power cuts
- Road closures and delays
- Ferry and train cancellations
- Flight disruptions, especially from Scottish airports
The Weekend Outlook
- Saturday: Still windy, but with a mix of sunshine and blustery showers
- Sunday: Quieter weather expected as Storm Amy moves into the North Sea, with lighter winds and drier conditions
