Storm Amy has been named as the first storm of the 2025/26 season and is set to hit Ireland on Friday 3 October, with Met Éireann issuing a red wind warning for Donegal and an orange warning for western counties. This article examines the immediate threat from Storm Amy, the potential for Hurricane Melissa to reach Ireland, and what these patterns reveal about Ireland’s shifting storm climate.

4 related posts

Storm Amy: First named storm of 2025/26 season ·
Met Eireann warnings: Red wind warning for Donegal, orange for west ·
Storm Claudia: Heavy rain event Nov 14-15 ·
2024/25 storm season: 6 named storms

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Storm Amy named as first storm of 2025/26 season (Met Éireann)
  • Met Éireann issued red wind warning for Donegal (Met Éireann)
  • Orange wind warning for western counties from 2pm Oct 3 (RTÉ News)
  • Storm Claudia heavy rain event expected Nov 14-15 (Met Éireann)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact landfall location of Storm Amy
  • Whether Hurricane Melissa will affect Ireland
  • County-level flood risk maps for 2050
3Timeline signal
  • Storm Amy: Oct 3, 2025
  • Storm Claudia: Nov 14-15, 2025
  • 2025/26 storm season: active
4What’s next
  • Storm Amy impact on western coastal areas
  • Prepare for heavy rain from Storm Claudia
  • Monitor Met Éireann warnings for updated tracks

A quick look at the most relevant figures tells the story: Storm Amy is the first named storm of the season, warnings range from red to yellow, and another storm (Claudia) is already on the calendar for November.

Fact Value
Named storm count 2025/26 so far 1 (Storm Amy)
Hurricane Melissa category Tropical storm (as of latest update)
Flood risk by 2050 Coastal areas in eastern and southern Ireland projected to be at high risk
Met Eireann warnings active Yes, multiple counties under yellow or orange warnings

Is Storm Amy going to hit Ireland?

Current forecast for Storm Amy

  • Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025/26 season, will impact Ireland on Friday 3 October 2025 (Met Éireann).
  • Heavy rainfall is expected from Thursday 2 October, especially in the north-west, west and south-west (Met Éireann).
  • Met Éireann issued a red wind warning for Donegal and an orange wind warning for western counties from 2pm to 10pm on 3 October (RTÉ News).
The upshot

Storm Amy is a fast-moving system that will bring very strong south-westerly winds and heavy rain. Residents in Donegal and the west face the highest risk of disruption.

Expected impacts and warnings

  • Very strong south-westerly winds across Ireland, with gusts exceeding 100 km/h in exposed areas (Met Éireann).
  • Local authorities in the west prepared for the orange warning, with potential for travel disruption and power outages (RTÉ News).
  • Met Éireann advised that the rest of Ireland would be under a status yellow wind warning from midday until midnight on 3 October (RTÉ News).

“We expect unsettled conditions across western coastal areas with gusts of up to 100 km/h.”

— Met Éireann forecaster

Uncertainty in storm tracks

  • The exact landfall location of Storm Amy remains uncertain, though western and northern coastal areas are most likely to bear the brunt.
  • Tropical systems like Hurricane Melissa are being monitored, but their paths are highly variable and no direct impact on Ireland is confirmed at this stage.

The pattern: Storm Amy is a classic early-season system that underscores how quickly Atlantic lows can develop. The warning system is working, but the uncertainty in landfall means everyone in the west should stay alert.

Is Hurricane Melissa going to Ireland?

Hurricane Melissa’s current path

  • Hurricane Melissa is currently classified as a tropical storm and is being monitored for potential impact on Ireland.
  • The storm’s trajectory remains uncertain, with forecast models showing a range of possible outcomes.

Potential transition to post-tropical storm

  • Hurricanes can transition to extratropical storms as they move north, potentially affecting Ireland as a powerful wind and rain event.
  • No direct impact on Ireland is confirmed at this stage.

“Our teams are monitoring the storm’s progress and will provide updates as needed.”

— British Red Cross spokesperson

British Red Cross updates on Melissa

  • The British Red Cross has issued updates on Hurricane Melissa, indicating that they are tracking the storm for potential impacts on the UK and Ireland.
  • As of the latest update, no warnings have been issued for Ireland specifically due to Melissa.

Is another storm expected after Storm Amy?

Storm Claudia: heavy rain event in November

  • Met Éireann confirmed that Storm Claudia would bring heavy rain to Ireland for approximately 24 hours from Friday 14 November 2025 until midday Saturday 15 November 2025 (Met Éireann).
  • The event is described as a heavy rainfall event with significant flooding possible (Met Éireann).

Comparison to previous storms

  • In the 2024/25 season, Ireland experienced six named storms: Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn and Floris (Met Éireann).
  • Storm Floris, which hit in early August 2025, brought unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain to north-west Ireland (RTÉ News).

Storm Claudia is a heavy rainfall event with significant flooding possible, according to Met Éireann.

The implication: the 2025/26 storm season has started early and shows no sign of letting up. With Amy in October and Claudia in November, another storm is indeed coming after Amy.

Where will Storm Amy affect the most?

Regions likely to see the strongest winds

  • Donegal under a red wind warning — the highest level of alert (Met Éireann).
  • Western counties (Galway, Mayo, Clare) under an orange wind warning from 2pm to 10pm on 3 October (RTÉ News).
  • The rest of Ireland under a yellow wind warning from midday until midnight (RTÉ News).

Coastal flooding risk

  • Heavy rain combined with storm surges may cause localized coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas of the west and north-west.
  • Local authorities have deployed sandbags and flood barriers in vulnerable spots ahead of the storm.

Comparison to previous storm impacts

  • Storm Floris (August 2025) brought unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain to north-west Ireland, causing some localised flooding (RTÉ News).
  • Storm Amy is expected to deliver similar conditions but with higher wind speeds in Donegal.

The catch: the most severe conditions will be concentrated in a narrow band along the west coast. For residents in Donegal, the red warning means stay indoors; for the rest of the country, remain cautious but not alarmed.

Are storms in Ireland getting more severe?

Historical storm data trends

  • Met Éireann recorded six named storms affecting the area in the 2024/25 season: Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn and Floris (Met Éireann).
  • That is a relatively high number compared to recent seasons, suggesting an active pattern.

Role of climate change in storm intensity

  • Sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic have been above average, providing more energy for storms.
  • Scientific literature links warmer oceans to stronger and wetter storms, though attributing individual events is complex.

EPA Ireland findings on storm severity

  • The Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that storms are becoming more severe due to climate change (EPA Ireland).
  • EPA projections indicate sea level rise and increased flood risk for coastal areas by 2050.
Why this matters

The increase in named storms and the early onset of the 2025/26 season align with long-term climate projections. For Ireland, this means more frequent preparations for high-impact weather events.

The pattern: six named storms in one season is not an outlier—it’s becoming the new normal. The trend line points toward more active seasons ahead. For those planning travel, Bus from Athlone to Dublin Airport provides useful information.

What impact will climate change have on Ireland?

Sea level rise and coastal flooding

  • EPA Ireland projects sea level rise and increased flooding risk for coastal areas in eastern and southern Ireland by 2050 (EPA Ireland).
  • Low-lying regions, including parts of Dublin, Cork and Waterford, are particularly vulnerable.

Changes in rainfall patterns

  • Climate models indicate more intense rainfall events, increasing the risk of flash flooding and river flooding.
  • Winter storms are expected to bring heavier precipitation, while summer may see longer dry spells.

Long-term storm frequency projections

  • Ireland’s storm season may lengthen and become more variable, with storms arriving earlier in autumn and extending later into spring.
  • Met Éireann’s storm naming list for 2025/26 includes 21 names, reflecting the anticipation of an active season.

The trade-off: while a more active storm season challenges infrastructure and emergency services, it also means better forecasting and preparation. The key is using the warning systems already in place.

Timeline

Date or period Event
August 2025 Storm Amy named as first storm of 2025/26 season
Current week Met Eireann issues warnings for Storm Amy (red, orange, yellow)
Ongoing Hurricane Melissa tracked across Atlantic; potential impact on Ireland uncertain
November 2025 Storm Claudia heavy rain event expected
2050 projection Sea level rise and increased flooding expected in parts of Ireland (EPA)

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Storm Amy has been named and will affect Ireland on 3 October 2025.
  • Met Éireann has issued a red wind warning for Donegal and orange for western counties.
  • Storm Claudia is expected to bring heavy rain on 14-15 November.
  • Climate change is increasing storm severity in Ireland, according to EPA.

What’s unclear

  • Exact landfall location of Storm Amy remains uncertain.
  • Whether Hurricane Melissa will affect Ireland still unknown.
  • County-level flood risk maps for 2050 are not yet available.

Summary

Storm Amy is the immediate answer to the question: yes, another storm is coming to Ireland. With red and orange warnings already in place, Friday 3 October will be a day of strong winds and heavy rain, particularly in the west and north. Beyond that, Storm Claudia in November is already on the radar, and the broader trend of more active seasons means Irish residents should expect more frequent severe weather. For anyone living in coastal or exposed areas, the choice is clear: stay informed through Met Éireann, prepare your property, and follow official warnings—or risk being caught off guard by the next storm.

Related reading: Tropical Storm Melissa Forecast: Jamaica, Ireland, Britain · Beast from the East Alert: Met Eireann Issues 2026 Warning

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, rte.ie, met.ie, facebook.com, met.ie, rte.ie, met.ie, met.ie, rte.ie

Families across Ireland are already preparing for disruption, with many checking school closures during Storm Amy to see if their county is affected.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I check the latest storm warnings in Ireland?

Visit Met Éireann’s website or download their app for real-time weather warnings and updates. RTÉ News also provides regular bulletins.

What should I do to prepare for a storm in Ireland?

Secure outdoor furniture, stock up on essentials, charge devices, and have a torch ready. Follow Met Éireann’s advice and avoid travel during red warnings.

How are storms named in Ireland and the UK?

Storms are named by Met Éireann and the UK Met Office through a public list. Names are used alphabetically for storms that are expected to cause medium or high impacts.

What is the difference between a storm and a hurricane?

A storm (or extratropical cyclone) has a cold core and forms in mid-latitudes. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with a warm core, forming over warm ocean waters. Hurricanes can transition to extratropical storms when they move north.

When is the next storm expected after Amy?

Storm Claudia is expected in mid-November, bringing heavy rain. The storm season continues until spring 2026.

Does climate change affect the number of storms hitting Ireland?

Climate change is linked to more intense storms and altered storm tracks. EPA Ireland reports that storms are becoming more severe, which can increase the number of impactful events.

Are there any flood maps for Ireland showing risk by 2050?

EPA Ireland has produced flood risk maps at a national scale. County-level maps are still being developed. You can check the EPA’s flood mapping tool online.