The Met Office has named Storm Amy as the first storm of the 2025/26 season, with strong winds and heavy rain expected across Co Armagh on Friday.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland – including Co Armagh – with gusts of up to 50mph expected on Friday and into Saturday.
The warning for wind is in place from 4pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday. There will be heavy rain early on the Friday ahead of Storm Amy and gusts are expected right into the afternoon on Saturday.
The deep area of low pressure is forecast to bring gusts of 50–60mph inland across northern Britain, with stronger winds on exposed coasts and hills. Northern Ireland is likely to see unsettled conditions, with heavy rain and blustery winds on Friday evening into Saturday.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree said: “Although there is still some uncertainty about the exact track Storm Amy will take, forecasts show gale force winds across northern and western regions, alongside heavy rain. Warnings will be updated as confidence increases, so it is important to keep an eye on the forecast for your area.”
The Met Office has warned that Storm Amy could bring travel disruption, power cuts, and difficult driving conditions. Ferry and flight services may also be affected.
In Scotland, rainfall totals could exceed 30–50mm in just a few hours, but heavy rain is also expected in parts of Northern Ireland, particularly in the west.
Storm Amy has developed partly due to the influence of recent Atlantic hurricanes, which have accelerated the jet stream and helped fuel the storm’s rapid intensification.
The Met Office is urging people across Northern Ireland to monitor forecasts closely in the coming days and to take extra care if travelling.
