Storm AMY arriving on Friday

Storm AMY is developing into a very strong low pressure system, bringing severe gales to parts of Ireland and the UK on Friday and Saturday.

Latest models confirm the track and evolution of this unseasonally deep low, moving just to the north of Ireland and then Scotland Friday and Friday night.

Ireland will see winds strengthen through the day, while Scotland bears the brunt late Friday into the night.

Peak gusts could reach 70 to 80 mph along northern Irish coasts and even 90 to 100 mph in some parts of western Scotland.

Elsewhere, winds may still reach 45 to 60 mph, especially in coastal and upland areas.

Meanwhile, further spells of heavy rain associated both with Storm AMY and other frontal systems could lead to localised flooding.

Both the rain and the severe gales are very likely to lead to disruption and damage across the far north of Ireland and parts of Scotland, including to road, rail and air traffic.

There may be power cuts and some coastal locations could be affected by large waves.