Storm Amy could bring possible flooding and travel disruption

The Met Office is warning of disruption to parts of Northern Ireland on Friday as Storm Amy hits.

An amber warning for wind is in place from 15:00 to 20:00 BST on Friday for the western half of Northern Ireland – counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh, and a yellow warning in place for Armagh and Down.

“A period of damaging south to south-westerly winds are likely during the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday, with gusts of 60-70 mph inland and up to 80 mph along some more exposed coasts,” the Met Office says.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have warned of heavy rainfall leading to dangerous driving conditions on Thursday evening.

The Met Office had issued a heavy rain warning for Northern Ireland, which was in force until 22:00 BST.

The PSNI said there was “reduced visibility and standing water on roads throughout Northern Ireland”.

They advised drivers to “slow down and increase your stopping distance from the vehicle in front. Exercise caution, even on short journeys in well-lit areas”.

Storm Amy will impact the whole island of Ireland on Friday, with warnings issued for all counties.

Met Éireann has issued a red warning – the highest level – for coastal waters between Fairhead (Antrim) and Loop Head (Clare).

Level orange – the second highest level – wind warnings have been issued for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.

• The Met Office says there is “a good chance” for power cuts, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

• Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, with road, rail, air and ferry services likely to be affected

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life

On Thursday, rainfall accumulations of 20-30mm were expected widely with over 40mm of rain over higher ground possible.

This could lead to localised flooding and travel disruption. The heavier rain affected most places through the evening commute.

The Whitebridge Road, Ballygawley is currently closed due to a river which has burst its banks, the Department for Infrastructure said.

Meanwhile, NI Water has announced Silent Valley Mountain Park in Kilkeel, County Down, will be closed from 14:00 on Friday due to the storm.

A site safety inspection will take place on Saturday to determine if it can reopen.

The RNLI has urged those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the storm could bring.

It said strong gusts “pose a significant risk to safety” and appealed to the public to “exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths”.

“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,” RNLI water safety lead Linda-Gene Byrne said.

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

The strong winds expected on Friday could bring down trees and in coastal areas be aware of large waves coming onshore.

Heavy rain will accompany the stormy conditions.

There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs

Delays to road, rail, air, and ferry services are likely.

There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

A yellow warning for wind will continue for some areas into early Saturday afternoon. The west of the country looks likely to be the worst affected area.