Britain faces warnings of heavy rain and damaging winds as Storm Amy moves across the country, with gusts reaching up to 95 mph. The north and west of Scotland are expected to bear the worst impacts, and the Met Office has issued an amber warning for damaging winds from 17:00 on Friday to 09:00 on Saturday. In the Highlands and Western Isles, officials warn of a danger to life from flying debris, possible power cuts, road closures and damage to buildings.

ScotRail said several northern Scotland lines will close from 18:00 on Friday, with speed restrictions on other routes from 19:00. A yellow wind warning covers much of Scotland, the north of England and western Wales from 15:00 Friday until the start of Sunday. A long strip of Scotland from Dumfries to the far north is also under a yellow rain warning from 12:00 Friday to 15:00 Saturday, while the north‑west of England, including the Lake District, has a yellow rain warning from 15:00 Friday to midnight. In Northern Ireland, a yellow wind warning is in place from 14:00 Friday to 12:00 Saturday.

Met Office forecasters warned gusts of around 70 mph will be common, with stronger winds in exposed areas possibly reaching 90–95 mph. An amber warning covers the Friday night period. The Met Office said: “Storm Amy is expected to bring a spell of strong winds to many parts of northern and western Britain later on Friday and overnight into Saturday. South to southwesterly winds will increase during Friday, initially in the west before extending eastwards during Friday night. Gusts of 50-60 mph are likely in many areas, and may reach 60-70 mph in more exposed parts. The strongest winds are most likely across portions of northern and western Scotland, where gusts in excess of 90 mph are possible – this is covered by a separate Amber warning for the Friday night period.” Winds will ease for most parts through Saturday afternoon, but will remain very strong for the Northern Isles and parts of the far north through to the end of Saturday. The Met Office also cautioned about difficult driving conditions at the weekend, especially for high‑sided vehicles on exposed routes. “Winds will ease for most parts through Saturday afternoon, but remain very strong for the Northern Isles and parts of the far north of Scotland through to the end of Saturday.” The Met Office added.

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop urged people to check conditions before travelling. She said: “Motorists will face difficult driving conditions, so it’s vital people plan ahead if they have to travel to see if their route is impacted by the weather. Travellers should check the latest information before they set off, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.” ScotRail noted that some lines will close on Friday due to forecast wind gusts and heavy rain, with no replacement transport. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to keep people moving where it’s safe to do so. The Met Office amber warning for high winds during Storm Amy means that some routes will have to close, and speed restrictions will be in place across Scotland’s Railway. We know how frustrating disruption can be, but these measures are essential to protect our customers and staff.” Police Scotland urged motorists to drive carefully. Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of road policing, said: “I would encourage people to drive to the conditions and be aware of increased stopping distances. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.”