Brits should prepare three emergency kit items ahead of Storm Amy, the Met Office has advised. The UK’s first named storm of 2025/2026 is set to hit on Friday night, with strong winds and battering rains forecast until Saturday morning across northern and western Britain.
The Met Office warned flying debris could pose a “danger to life”, and Storm Amy could lead to travel and power disruption. Gusts may exceed 95 mph in more exposed areas, with the strongest winds most likely across northern and western Scotland, while winds of up to 60-70 mph have been forecast in other regions.
Yellow warnings state there is a “slight chance” of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses, while Amber warnings say power cuts “could occur”.
The weather agency advised Brits to prepare for potential power cuts with three essential items. “People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance,” it added.
They recommended considering getting torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack, as well as any “other essential items” to create an emergency kit ahead of the storm.
The amber warning in northwest Scotland kicks in from 5pm on Friday, October 3, until 9am on Saturday, October 4.
The yellow warning starts as early as midday on Friday until midnight on Saturday, covering parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and north and west England.
Winds are likely to come alongside spells of heavy rain. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree said rainfall could exceed 30-50mm in six to nine hours, which he warned increases the risk of localised flooding.
“Forecasts and warnings will be updated as the situation becomes more clear, therefore it is important to keep an eye forecast for your area over the coming days,” he added.
Martin Thomson from Transport Scotland said “we expect to see disruption to the transport network in the warning areas”.
Winds will ease for most parts through Saturday afternoon, according to the Met Office. However, it said the Northern Isles and parts of the far north of Scotland will experience strong conditions until the end of Saturday.
