Households across the UK are being urged to lock their doors and windows on Friday and Saturday as winds of up to 100 mph are forecast.
Amber weather warnings for wind have been issued by the Met Office as Storm Amy is set to move in from the Atlantic, bringing wet and stormy weather for much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England and northwest Wales from Friday afternoon into Saturday. The amber warning is in force from 5pm on Friday until 9am on Saturday, while a separate amber warning covering the western half of Northern Ireland is valid from 3pm until 8pm on Friday. A third amber warning for wind is in force on Saturday from 12am until 9pm for parts of Scotland. Yellow weather warnings for rain and wind have also been issued across much of the UK on Friday and Saturday, followed by a separate yellow warning for wind on Sunday in northeast Scotland.
Powerful gusts of up to 70 mph are forecast widely, reaching up to 80 mph along more exposed areas and possibly 100 mph in some exposed parts of western Scotland, particularly around Tiree, western Lochaber and Skye on Friday evening. The Met Office says the windy conditions could pose a danger to life, possibly cause power cuts and travel disruption.
Households in the affected areas are being urged to only travel if necessary and to prepare for potential power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, mobile phone power packs and other essential items.
Households are also being urged to lock their doors and windows to protect their homes and gardens from the strong winds, as well as removing any loose items from gardens, such as outdoor lights, lanterns, hanging baskets and mirrors, as these could easily smash and break in blustery conditions.
In its advice on staying safe during storms, the Met Office says: “Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
“Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages. Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.
“Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if the roof pitch is less than 30°. If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened. If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.”
Steven Walley, a landscaper and gardening expert from London Stone, warns that it is essential to take steps to protect your home during windy and rainy weather to minimise damage as much as possible.
He added: “Nature is extremely powerful and heavy wind and rain can cause severe damage to your garden through flying debris or flooding.
“To prevent as much harm as possible, it’s important to ensure we’re taking precautions to protect our homes in harsh weather conditions. Make sure all doors and windows are locked shut. If you know a storm or weather warning is set to take place in your region, start taking precaution.
“First, make sure that there are no obvious entry points by making sure all windows and doors are locked shut. This will help to prevent damage from heavy rain seeping in and will help to reduce pressure on windows from strong winds.”
