All eight Royal Parks shut due to Storm Amy gale force winds

Staff
By Staff

Opening times on Sunday will be delayed due to safety inspections

All of eight of London’s royal parks have been shut on Saturday, October 4 as 50mph winds hit London. Hyde Park, Richmond Park and the six other green spaces will reopen on Sunday morning due to safety precautions.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as there is the potential for severe disruption across London. In a statement the Royal Parks said: “Due to severe wind gusts caused by Storm Amy, all of the royal parks, plus Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens will be closed on Saturday October 4.

“This closure includes all park roads and cycleways, cafes and kiosks, parks sports venues, the Serpentine lido and boating lake, and the royal parks shop.” It said opening times on Sunday will be delayed because of safety inspections.

“The safety of visitors and staff is our top priority,” the Royal Parks said. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience that these closures may cause.”

The Met Office expects Storm Amy to be a notably strong storm for October. The highest wind gust recorded in the UK in October is 124 mph recorded at Rhoose, South Glamorgan, on 28 October 1989. The highest gust speed recorded in Scotland in October is 106 mph recorded at Salsburgh, Lanarkshire, on 18 October 1984. Both of these events were before the Met Office started naming storms in 2015.

Forecasters say some weather stations in western Scotland could record new October wind gust records.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “Storm Amy will be an impactful autumn storm for many in Scotland and Northern Ireland, though impacts will also spread to northwest England and Wales, as well as a more widespread windy period for the rest of the UK.

“Within the Amber warning areas, damaging gusts of around 100 mph are possible for a time on Friday evening for parts of western Scotland, especially Skye, Tiree, Barra and western Lochaber. This could lead to significant disruption, and brings the risk of power cuts and damage to buildings and trees. Elsewhere, gusts of 60-80 mph are expected more widely in the Amber warning areas, and slightly lower figures for those covered by Yellow warnings.

“Rainfall is an additional hazard, in particular over western Scotland, where totals could exceed 30-50mm in 6-9 hours, increasing the risk of flooding for some. A number of warnings have been issued covering the rainfall risk for the coming days.”

Forecast for London

Today (Saturday) This morning will be mostly dry with sunny periods, although scattered showers are possible in western parts. During the afternoon, a band of cloud and patchy rain will move south across the region, clearing by the evening to leave some late bright spells. It will remain windy throughout, with gales possible along the coasts. Temperatures will reach around 14 °C.

Tonight The evening will turn dry with some sunshine before long clear periods develop overnight. Winds will gradually ease, though it will still feel breezy at times. Lows will dip to around 7 °C under variable cloud and clear skies.

Sunday A bright and sunny start is expected for many places. Cloud will increase gradually from the west through the day, with the chance of a few light showers, though most areas will stay dry with sunny spells. It will be breezy at first, but winds will ease into the afternoon. Temperatures will rise to around 16 °C.

Monday A predominantly dry day with variable cloud and some bright or sunny spells. Temperatures will be mild for the time of year, remaining close to or just above average. It could have a high of 20C.

Tuesday Cloudier conditions will set in, turning overcast and breezy at times. However, it should stay largely dry with some late brightness possible in the evening. High of 18C.

Wednesday Cloud will push in from the northwest, bringing spells of light rain or drizzle through the day. Conditions will improve later, turning drier and clearer by the evening. Winds will remain light, and temperatures will stay near or slightly above average. High of 18C.

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