Met Office urges UK households to 'gather torches' by Friday

People across the UK are being urged to make sure they have a torch handy this weekend. The Met Office has warned of potential power cuts as Storm Amy lashes the nation on Friday (October 3) and Saturday.

The forecaster has issued multiple weather warnings for rain and wind during the storm. A yellow weather warning for rain is in place for Scotland from 12pm until 11.59pm on Friday, while there are separate warnings for northwest England, from 3pm until 11.59pm, and Northern Ireland from 2pm on Friday until 12pm on Saturday. Meanwhile, an amber wind warning is in place in northern Scotland from 5pm on Friday until 9am on Saturday. There is also a yellow wind warning covering parts of Wales, northern England and the whole of Scotland from 3pm on Friday until 11.59pm on Saturday.

Storm Amy is expected to sweep across the UK, bringing winds of up to 80mph. The Met Office has warned of possible flooding and widespread travel disruption.

The forecaster is also expecting power cuts in some areas and is advising people to gather torches. They are urging residents within the warning areas to be prepared in advance.

The Met Office said: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."

The storm could bring possible power cuts as well as the "loss of other services to homes and businesses". The Met Office added that there is a risk some communities are cut off by flooding.

The forecaster said: "Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary."

Storm Amy will bring a band of heavy rain throughout Friday evening and into Saturday. Forecasters expect up between 20mm and 30mm of rain to fall during a six to nine hour period.

Meanwhile, some hilly areas could see a deluge of between 40mm and 50mm. There will also be strong winds with coastal areas braced for the worst of conditions.