Travel disruptions and 'danger to life' expected as UK braces for Storm Floris

Yahoo

3 days ago

Storm Floris is expected to cause severe travel disruptions on Monday (August 4) as weather warnings in some parts of the UK have been upgraded to amber.
Brits are being warned to brace for "unusually" windy weather on Monday, as Storm Floris could cause:
Damage to buildings
Injuries and danger to life from flying debris
Power cuts and disruptions to other services (such as mobile phone coverage)
Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
Closures of roads and bridges
Disruptions to road, rail, air and ferry services, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
A Met Office spokesperson said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK on Monday.
"The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain.
"Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later."
Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August.
January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
Weather warnings upgraded to amber in Scotland
A yellow warning for wind had already been issued for northern parts of the UK from 6am on Monday to 6am on Tuesday (August 5).
But these have been upgraded to amber for most of Scotland, with the new warnings set to be in place from 10am to 10pm (on Monday).
What different Met Office weather warnings mean
Winds of up to 90mph have been forecast for some areas of Scotland.
Weather warnings are in place across Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England.
You can see full details about the storm warnings in place for Storm Floris on the Met Office website.
Travel disruptions expected on Monday due to Storm Floris
These unusually windy conditions caused by Storm Floris are expected to cause power outages, damage to buildings, and could even pose a "danger to life" due to flying debris and large waves.
UK residents are also being warned to expect travel disruptions on Monday due to the blustery conditions.
National Rail said stormy weather can severely impact railway journeys, resulting in delays and cancellations.
It added: "It is likely that speed restrictions will be in place and your journey may take longer."
Disruptions to road, air and ferry services are also expected.
Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm.
'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed highland and coastal routes.
Rod Dennis, from the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week.
'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.'
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While Shaun Jones, from the AA, added: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected.
'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts.
'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.'