02 October 2025
As Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025/26 season, is set to sweep across a large part of the UK, The AA is urging drivers to take extra precautions amid warnings of 80mph winds, torrential rain, and travel disruption.
“Drivers need to be alert, plan ahead, and avoid taking risks.”
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind and rain across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and parts of northern England, with the warning period running from 4pm on Friday 3 October to 11:59pm on Saturday 4 October.
Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risk
Rainfall is expected to be particularly intense across western Scotland, where 30–50mm could fall in just 6 to 9 hours, with up to 80mm possible in upland areas. This raises the risk of localised flooding, surface water hazards, and river surges, especially in low-lying and poorly drained regions.
Shaun Jones, AA Expert Patrol, said: “Storm Amy is shaping up to be a serious weather event, and we’re already seeing signs of disruption.
“Drivers need to be alert, plan ahead, and avoid taking risks. High winds can make handling a vehicle more difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles, and surface water can hide potholes or cause aquaplaning. If you come across a flooded road, we recommend you find an alternative route rather than risking driving through floodwater.
“If you’re heading out, make sure your car is storm-ready, and your route is safe. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app to help us get to you faster if the worse should happen. Ensure you have enough fuel or EV charge to account for unexpected diversions.”
The AA recommends:
- Checking local forecasts and traffic updates before setting off.
- Reducing speed and increasing stopping distances in wet and windy conditions.
- Watching for fallen branches, debris, and standing water, particularly on rural routes.
- Ensuring your vehicle is in good condition, with tyres, lights, and wipers all functioning properly.
- Carrying essentials such as a fully charged mobile phone, warm clothing, snacks, and a torch.
Wet weather
Rule 227
In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads (see ‘Typical stopping distances’). This is because your tyres have less grip on the road.
- you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead
- if the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
- the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen
Live traffic updates are available at https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news
Areas affected:
Central, Tayside & Fife - Angus ; Clackmannanshire; Dundee; Falkirk; Fife; Perth and Kinross; Stirling
Grampian – Aberdeen; Aberdeenshire; Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar – Highland; Na h-Eileanan Siar
North East England - Northumberland
North West England – Blackpool; Cheshire West and Chester; Cumbria; Halton; Lancashire; Merseyside
Orkney & Shetland - Orkney Islands; Shetland Islands
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders - Dumfries and Galloway; East Lothian; Edinburgh; Midlothian Council; Scottish Borders; West Lothian
Strathclyde - Argyll and Bute; East Ayrshire; East Dunbartonshire; East Renfrewshire; Glasgow; Inverclyde; North Ayrshire; North Lanarkshire; Renfrewshire; South Ayrshire; South Lanarkshire; West Dunbartonshire
Wales – Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire; Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey
Northern Ireland - County Antrim; County Armagh; County Down; County Fermanagh; County Londonderry; County Tyrone
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/seasonal/driving-through-flood-water
Driving in strong wind | How to stay safe | AA
Live traffic updates are available at https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news