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Storm Amy: Amber wind warning issued for Northern Ireland as RNLI urges public to stay safe on coast

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • Oct 2
  • 3 min read
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The Met Office has upgraded its alerts for Storm Amy, issuing an Amber warning for damaging winds in Northern Ireland on Friday 3 October, alongside existing yellow warnings for wind and rain.


The storm – the first named system of the 2025/26 season – is expected to bring gusts of up to 80mph, heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding. The RNLI is urging the public to avoid coastal and waterside locations as conditions turn increasingly dangerous.



Weather Warnings for Northern Ireland


  • 🟧 Amber Warning – Wind

    15:00 – 20:00, Fri 3 Oct


    Damaging south to southwesterly winds with 60–70 mph gusts inland and up to 80 mph along exposed coasts. Disruption likely, particularly during the Friday evening commute.


  • 🟨 Yellow Warning – Wind

    14:00 Fri 3 Oct – 12:00 Sat 4 Oct


    Strong winds continue into Friday night and Saturday morning, widely 50–60 mph with 70 mph possible along the north coast.


  • 🟨 Yellow Warning – Rain (Fri–Sat)

    12:00 Fri 3 Oct – 06:00 Sat 4 Oct

    Persistent heavy rain, 20–40 mm widely, and 50 mm+ on uplands, raising flood risk.



RNLI: “Stay well back from stormy seas”


The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued an urgent appeal for caution as Storm Amy approaches.


Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said:


“Storm Amy is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we advise that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea or water.


“A visit during weather conditions such as these is not worth risking your life for.”



The RNLI’s Float to Live advice is being highlighted:


  • Lie back in the water with your head tilted so your ears are wet.

  • Extend arms and legs, staying calm to control breathing.

  • Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you see someone in difficulty.

  • Throw something that floats but do not enter the water yourself.


RNLI’s Key Safety Advice During Storm Amy


  • Stay well back from stormy seas, cliff edges and exposed waterside locations.

  • Check weather forecasts and tide times before travelling.

  • Carry a fully charged phone and let someone know your plans.

  • In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.



Met Office: Risk of Travel and Power Disruption


Tom Crabtree, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, warned of widespread impacts:


“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.”



The Met Office said the combination of wind and rain could lead to transport delays, power cuts and difficult driving conditions, particularly during Friday’s evening rush hour.


Storm Naming and Development


Storm Amy has been named under the Met Office’s storm naming protocol, which aims to improve public awareness of severe weather.


Meteorologists say the storm’s rapid development has been fuelled by the remnants of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which have strengthened the jet stream and accelerated the system’s intensification.



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