The UK is bracing for severe weather as Storm Floris, the sixth named storm of the 2024/25 season and the first since January, is set to hit on Monday. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for most of Scotland, highlighting the risk to life due to expected damage to buildings, trees, and widespread disruption.
The amber warning is in effect from 10:00 to 22:00 BST on Monday, with wind gusts inland expected to reach 50 to 70mph. Exposed coastal and highland areas, including bridges and hills, could experience gusts of up to 90mph and potentially even 100mph, reminiscent of January’s Storm Éowyn.
The warning zone extends as far south as Glasgow and Edinburgh, covering large parts of the Highlands and the central belt. In northern England, north Wales, and Northern Ireland, a yellow warning is in place from 06:00 to midnight on Monday.
Although the storm has yet to fully develop, forecasters expect a rapid drop in pressure late Sunday as the system nears the UK, bringing “unusually strong” north-westerly winds.
With trees still in full leaf, there is an increased risk of falling branches and toppled trees, which could block roads and damage infrastructure. Heavy rain may accompany the winds, increasing the risk of flooding and power outages.
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed that preparations were underway to minimize disruption. “This is a slightly unusual situation for August,” she said, “but the message is clear plan ahead, travel safely, and don’t take unnecessary risks.”
Travel disruptions are anticipated, with National Rail warning of potential delays and speed restrictions. Ferry operator CalMac has already issued cancellation alerts across Scotland’s west coast, and RAC has urged motorists, particularly holidaymakers towing caravans or trailers, to secure their loads and drive cautiously.
While named August storms aren’t rare, Storm Floris comes on the heels of the UK’s fifth warmest July on record. The Met Office reported above-average temperatures for six consecutive months, with this July reaching a high of 35.8°C in Faversham, Kent.
Storm Floris now threatens to bring summer to an abrupt and turbulent pause.
