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Latest Status Orange wind warning extended to sixth county

Updated / Friday, 3 Oct 2025 10:21
Storm Amy is expected to bring storm to near gale force winds to many parts of the country
Storm Amy is expected to bring storm to near gale force winds to many parts of the country

A Status Orange wind warning has been extended to a sixth western county while schools in four counties in Northern Ireland are to close early today as Storm Amy arrives.

Very difficult travel conditions are expected in many western areas today, with Storm Amy also set to bring near gale force winds and disrupt power supply.

The Status Orange wind warning for counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will come into effect at 2pm, and will remain in force until 10pm.

Met Éireann has warned that the storm will bring "severe and damaging gusts", damage power lines and result in power outages in affected areas, as well as fallen trees and possible wave overtopping.

A Status Red marine warning will also come into effect between 2pm and 8pm, with the forecaster warning of "violent" storm force 11 winds from Loop Heard to Rossan Point to Fair Head.

A Status Yellow wind warning for the entire country will be in place from midday for 12 hours, while another Status Yellow warning for rain for Galway and Kerry will be in place from 9am.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is due to meet again this morning ahead of the storm's arrival, where Met Éireann will provide a weather update to all the main stakeholders involved.

Met Éireann forecaster Liz Walsh said that gusts of up to 120km/h are possible from Galway up to Donegal.

"The closer you are to the west coast, the stronger the wind will be. So, in particular places like Clifton, Achill, Belmullet, anywhere along the Donegal coast ... like Falcarragh and Tory Island, places like that are going to see higher gusts than that.

"So, local decisions can be made on that," she said.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, she said that gusts of 120km/h were still possible in some inland areas.

"It's an infrequent, dangerous weather condition that may pose a threat to life and property... but for the rest of the country, we're looking at yellow wind warnings."

An Amber Wind Warning applies to several counties in Northern Ireland too, with the UK Met Office warning of disruption.

Northern Ireland's Education Authority has told schools across counties Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh to close at noon today.

It said the decision had been taken in the interests of the safety of children, young people and staff.

"The amber warning covers the western half of Northern Ireland - counties Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh.

"The Education Authority consulted with the Met Office to ensure there had been no overnight amendments to the alert.

"The alert applies to the period 3pm to 8pm today and is warning of a spell of damaging winds on Friday late afternoon and evening.

"It has cited the potential for power cuts and damage to buildings, including a risk of injuries from flying debris."

Local authority and ESB Network crews are on standby in the counties likely to be most impacted, to deal with issues as and when they arise.

The general advice during Orange level weather warnings is to limit travel, stay away from exposed coastal areas and be mindful of the impact deteriorating conditions can have on outdoor activities.

Particular vigilance is required in exposed locations near the sea.

The RNLI has asked people to remain aware of the dangers posed by strong winds and associated tidal conditions, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths.

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