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How Storm Amy is affecting the UK

Road closed sign on a road with three white and orange cones.
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Storm Amy caused lots of travel disruptions this weekend

Many parts of the UK have been affected by Storm Amy, which brought strong winds and heavy rainfall this weekend.

The storm affected much of Scotland and Northern Ireland where many homes were left without power, as well as northwest England and northwest Wales.

The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, issued several weather warnings on Friday and Saturday.

An amber warning for wind was issued for northern parts of Scotland which remained in place until 9pm on Saturday evening.

Amber warnings are issued when there is a high possibility bad weather could impact people in lots of ways, for example causing travel disruptions, power cuts and rail and road closures.

In these situations, people are expected to be prepared to change their plans to stay safe.

A car driving through floodwater in Galway which a person looks on. Image source, PA Media
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Many parts of the UK were affected by the bad weather

Schools in Northern Ireland counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh were all required to close at midday on Friday.

Some schools in Belfast stayed open as usual while others closed in the afternoon.

As well as rail and road travel disruptions, those travelling by ferry in Northern Ireland were affected by the weather, with both delays and cancellations.

Sign on railings at Drum Manor Forest Park near Cookstown.
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People may be required to change their plans when the weather is really bad

How have children been affected?

Children taking part in race. Image source, Great Scottish Run
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The junior events of the Great Scottish Run have been cancelled

Lots of sporting events scheduled for this weekend were cancelled because of the weather.

The junior and mini Great Scottish Run event in Glasgow which was meant to take place on Saturday was cancelled, although the adult races on Sunday are expected to go ahead.

"We're really sorry to confirm that this year's Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run, scheduled to take place on Saturday 4 October, has been cancelled due to the forecasted high winds and rain," the event organisers said in a statement on their website.

"Safety of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority.

"We know how disappointing this is, and we hope you can understand why this decision has been made."

A football on a pitch with players in the background. Image source, Getty Images

The South Belfast Youth Football League, which is the biggest youth football league in Northern Ireland, cancelled all its football activities this weekend because of Storm Amy.

The Mid-Ulster Youth Football League, thought to be the third biggest youth league in Northern Ireland, also cancelled all its games, affecting more than 200 teams in total.

"The storms don't do any football any good, because every single league's in the same boat," Michael O'Kane, the secretary for Mid-Ulster Youth Football League, told Newsround.

"We all feel the effect of it. This was the first week of one of the cup competitions and it's all been cancelled. So it's a knock on effect for the next week and the following week and the following week."

Despite the disruptions, Michael emphasised the importance of everyone remaining safe.

Many parks and open spaces in Northern Ireland had to close, with open air events such as sports competitions, markets and tours also cancelled in many parts of the UK.

How do storms get their names?

Did you know, storms are given their names by the Met Office?

This only happens when they're expected to have a medium or high impact.

The idea is that by naming them, people will be more aware about storms and the importance of staying safe when they happen.

It also means the public can follow what's going on more easily through things like the news and social media.

Amy is the name given by the Met Office to the first storm of the 2025/2026 storm season which began on 1 September.

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How do storms get their names?

We want to know if you've been affected by the bad weather. Have you seen your sporting events cancelled, are you unable to attend your clubs, or have your weekend plans been disrupted? You can leave us a comment letting us know below.