Damage and disruption as Storm Amy hits UK

Storm Amy has battered large parts of the UK with strong winds and heavy rain. Gusts of up to 96mph were recorded in northern Scotland, leaving more than 50,000 homes without power.

On Friday, a man in his 40s died in the Republic of Ireland in what police described as a weather-related incident. In Northern Ireland, hundreds of schools closed early, and rail and ferry services were cancelled.

Widespread damage to electricity networks in Scotland and Northern Ireland has left tens of thousands without power, while fallen trees have blocked roads and airports have warned passengers to check the status of their flights.

All eight of London’s royal parks have been closed for safety inspections.

Meteorologists warn that winds of up to 85mph could continue throughout the day, causing further disruption and damage.

Storm Amy also set a record for the lowest atmospheric pressure in the UK for October, with a reading of 947.9 hPa.

By the second half of the weekend, the storm is expected to move into the North Sea, bringing drier conditions and lighter winds across the country.

Copied