Storm Amy: Weather warnings for wind & rain across NI as first named storm of the season approaches

The Met Office has officially named Storm Amy as the first storm of the 2025/26 season, with Northern Ireland braced for unsettled and disruptive weather from Thursday 2 October into Saturday 4 October.

Three yellow weather warnings are now active or upcoming — covering rain today (Thursday), followed by wind and rain from Friday into Saturday. The warnings highlight the risk of flooding, travel disruption, and hazardous driving conditions.

Yellow Rain Warning: Thursday 2 October, 10:02 – 22:00

A yellow warning for rain is in place across Northern Ireland throughout Thursday.

• Outbreaks of rain will become heavier and more persistent during the afternoon and early evening.

• 20-30 mm of rainfall is likely widely, with 40 mm or more over high ground.

• Given recent wet weather, there is an increased risk of flooding.

• Winds will also strengthen later in the day, especially along the east coast, where gusts could exceed 50 mph.

The rain will clear eastwards by Thursday night.

Yellow Wind Warning: 14:00 Friday 3 October – 12:00 Saturday 4 October

The yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland begins on Friday afternoon and runs through to midday Saturday.

• South to southwesterly winds will strengthen through Friday afternoon, peaking in the evening.

• Gusts of 50-60 mph are expected widely.

• 60-70 mph gusts are possible in more exposed areas, with even higher speeds along parts of the north coast.

• Winds will ease gradually through Saturday.

Disruption to travel, power supplies, and outdoor activities is possible during this period.

Yellow Rain Warning: 12:00 Friday 3 October – 06:00 Saturday 4 October

A second yellow warning for rain has been issued as Storm Amy moves in.

• Persistent and heavy downpours are expected across Northern Ireland.

• 20-40 mm of rainfall is likely widely, with 50 mm or more possible in upland areas.

• There is a heightened risk of localised flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

The combination of strong winds and heavy rain on Friday evening into Saturday is expected to make for particularly difficult travel conditions.

Storm Naming and Weather Drivers

Storm Amy has been named in line with the Met Office’s storm naming protocol, which aims to raise public awareness of impactful weather events.

Meteorologists say the storm’s rapid development has been influenced by the remnants of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which have intensified the jet stream and fuelled Storm Amy’s growth.