Met Office urges public to prepare emergency kit as Storm Amy wipes out power

Brits have been advised to prepare an emergency kit as Storm Amy rips through the UK, leaving mass power cuts and flooding in its wake.

Met Office weather warnings are now in force across the entire country with storm chaos set to continue throughout the weekend.

Horror winds of 96mph swept through Tiree in the Hebrides on Friday, and the 'danger to life' warning continues today - with travel distuptions, damage to power lines and waves overtopping.

Over 20,000 people are currently without power in Northern Ireland, with more ferocious winds and heavy downpours forecast for today.

Those affected by the weather warnings should "consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit", the Met Office has said.

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There is also a risk of further power cuts, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

The Met Office has issued guidance for preparing for power cuts, urging the public to stock up on a few key items.

It said: "It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."

In Scotland, you can check to see if your home is at risk of flash flooding by visiting the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website.

To prepare an effective flood plan, people should write down a list of useful contact numbers including the local council, insurance companies and utility providers.

People can also move their valuables to a safe place, learn how to shut off their electricity or gas supply and consider offering help to vulnerable friends or neighbours.

Flood kits could include: insurance documents and list of contact numbers; torch and spare batteries; first aid kit and any prescription medicines; warm waterproof clothes and blankets; bottled water and snacks; battery or wind-up radio; supplies for looking after your baby or pet.

The Met Office added: "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.

"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.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."

Homeowners have also been urged to use a common household item during the storm. According to Insurance specialist Kara Gammell, people should place a section of loo roll next to their windows.

She says the action helps keep your home warm. She told MEN: "Hold a strip of loo roll near windows and doors. If it flutters, you've got a draught. Filling air gaps not only keeps you warm, it can also ward off damp and mould."

She added: "A common misconception is that your home is only at risk from flooding if you live beside the water, when in fact, a quarter of flooding occurs in areas that are formally designated as being outside of flood risk zones."