Storm Amy: schools shutting doors as Northern Ireland prepares for gale-force winds and heavy rain
The Education Authority says the decision had been taken in the interests of the safety of children, young people and staff
Last updated 3rd Oct 2025
Schools across counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh are set to close as Northern Ireland braces itself for the arrival of Storm Amy.
The Education Authority has advised schools in these areas to close at midday.
It comes as gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are expected to batter the coastlines.
Ferry services have also been impacted and Belfast City Airport has asked passengers to check the status of their flights before arrival.
The EA said the decision had been taken in the interests of the safety of children, young people and staff as Storm Amy arrives across the UK and Ireland.
An EA statement said: "The amber warning covers the western half of Northern Ireland - counties Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, 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."
It is the first storm of the season and in an interview with Downtown Radio & Cool FM, the Met Office's John Wylie, says we should be prepared for the worst.
"If you are travelling on Friday evening and you can change your plans it is probably wise to do so," he said.
"Most travel will see some sort of impact over the next 36 hours or so - we could be looking at disruption to road and rail with trees coming down in places.
"We could also see ferry services disrupted between here and GB - so I would expect to see quite an impact on our transport networks."