Storm Amy set to hit Cumbria and southern Scotland as winds to reach 80mph

Storm Amy is the first named storm of the year with winds set to pick up on Friday with the weather warning in affect from 3pm. Credit: PA Images

The Met Office has issues a yellow weather warning for wind and rain as 80mph gusts are set to hit Cumbria and southern Scotland.

Storm Amy is set to be the first named storm of the year and will bring strong winds which has led to the weather warning being put in place from 3pm on Friday until 11:59pm on Saturday.

The strong winds are expected to be accompanied with spells of heavy rain, particularly in western parts of Scotland.

The yellow weather warning for wind is in place across southern Scotland and parts of Cumbria. Credit: Met Office

What to expect from the weather warning?

The Met Office has issued this advice as to what to expect from Storm Amy and the yellow weather warning in place.

  • Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen

  • Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

  • Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible

  • Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

  • Some roads and bridges may close

  • Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

In a statement the Met Office said: "Storm Amy is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds to many parts of northern Britain later on Friday and into Saturday.

"Westerly winds will pick up during Friday, initially in the west before extending eastwards during Friday night.

Cumbria Police has issued advice on social media. Credit: Cumbria Police

"Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are likely for many areas and may reach 60 to 70 mph in some places for a time. Exposed coasts and hills will see the highest gusts which could exceed 80 mph.

"The strongest winds currently look more likely over parts of northern Scotland. This will lead to difficult driving conditions for high sided vehicles on prone routes such as cross winds on exposed or high level routes."

A Westmorland and Furness Council statement said: "Residents are advised that a yellow weather warning for high winds has been issued due to Storm Amy.

An update weather warning has been issued for Cumbria and southern Scotland for Friday and Saturday. Credit: Met Office

"The storm is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds in Cumbria from 3pm on Friday until 6pm on Saturday.

"Gusts of 50 to 60mph are likely for many areas and may reach 60 to 70mph in some places for a time.

"The very strong winds will also be accompanied by spells of heavy rain."

Avanti West Coast are advising customers to travel as early as possible on Friday. Credit: Avanti West Coast

National Rail is advising that some rail services may be affected across Friday and Saturday.

In a statement they said: "Strong winds can blow trees into infrastructure, damaging the overhead lines that power electric trains.

"The winds can mean it’s unsafe to carry out repairs at height – or with certain machinery until the winds have dropped. Trains may have to run at a reduced speed causing delays to your journey."

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