Update Storm Floris

The UK is bracing for the arrival of Storm Floris, an unseasonably disruptive system that is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the northern half of the country on Monday. The storm, the sixth named storm of the 2024/2025 season, has prompted the Met Office to issue a series of severe weather warnings, with an Amber warning for wind now in effect for a large part of Scotland.

The Amber warning for wind, in place from 10:00 to 22:00 on Monday, highlights the most significant threat from Storm Floris. The Met Office has warned of a potential "danger to life" due to flying debris and large waves. In the areas covered by the Amber warning, which includes much of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles, gusts of 50-70mph are expected widely, with exposed coasts, hills, and bridges likely to experience gusts of 80-90mph. The strongest winds are expected to hit western coastal areas late morning before transferring to northeastern Scotland by the late afternoon. This level of wind is likely to cause significant disruption, including damage to buildings and infrastructure, power cuts, and widespread travel chaos.

Beyond the Amber warning area, a Yellow warning for wind is in place for a wider swathe of the northern UK, including Northern Ireland, northern England, and parts of north Wales. This warning is active from 06:00 on Monday until midnight. Within this area, many inland regions can expect gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph possible at higher elevations and along exposed coasts. While not as severe as the Amber warning, this still poses a risk of disruption and minor damage.

In addition to the strong winds, Storm Floris will also bring heavy rainfall, particularly to the north and west of Scotland. The Met Office forecasts 20-30mm of rain to fall quite widely, with some hills and mountains potentially seeing 40-60mm. This heavy rainfall could lead to localised flooding, further complicating travel and creating hazardous conditions.

The potential for widespread disruption has led to warnings from various agencies. National Rail has advised passengers to check before they travel, as services in northern England and Scotland are expected to face cancellations and delays. There is a strong "do not travel" recommendation for certain routes. Similarly, Traffic Scotland has warned of potential issues on roads and bridges, particularly for high-sided vehicles, and has urged the public to stay indoors as much as possible within the Amber warning area.

The unseasonal nature of this storm has also been a focus of attention. While named storms are more common in autumn and winter, the arrival of Storm Floris in August serves as a reminder that severe weather can occur at any time of the year. This makes the public's awareness and preparedness even more crucial. Those in the affected regions should take the weather warnings seriously, secure loose outdoor objects, and plan for potential power cuts and travel delays.