Trains cancelled as Storm Floris set to batter Scotland with 85mph winds
The Met Office has warned of travel disruption when the summer storm hits, with the Scottish Transport Secretary saying the unseasonable weather makes raising awareness even more important.
Trains and ferries have already been cancelled, with Network Rail set to close a number of routes at 12pm on Monday.
All other routes will see a reduced timetable and longer journey times due to speed restrictions.
Edinburgh – Fife/Perth/Dundee, Perth – Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness, and Inverness – Aberdeen/Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalshare are among a number of lines that will close from noon.
Train operator LNER has warned passengers not to travel north of Newcastle on Monday as a result of the forecast.
Those intending to travel on Monday can do so on Sunday, the operator said, with tickets also being valid until Wednesday.
Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston on Monday as it expects its Scottish-English routes to be 'heavily affected' by Storm Floris.
The operator said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh.
Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added.
The Met Office said gusts could reach 85mph on exposed coasts or hills north of the border.
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️#StormFloris to bring unseasonably strong winds across parts of Scotland
Monday 1000 – 2200
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/s9av8Du6Ty
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 3, 2025
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said a meeting had been held on Friday to ensure the country is ready for the storm, adding: 'Given the unusual timing, and the fact some people will be on holiday, travelling or perhaps unaware, we are trying to raise even more awareness than usual of this potentially disruptive storm.
'Please check with operators as we do expect rail, ferries, roads and bridges to be disrupted on Monday across the country.
'This is a slightly unusual situation for August, however the message is the same as winter – plan ahead, check your journey in advance, allow extra time, and don't take any unnecessary risks.
'Officials will be monitoring the situation and are ready to stand up the Multi Agency Response Team, if required.
'I am grateful to those who are giving up their weekend and time off to help co-ordinate the transport sector's response.
'Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland, Sepa, local authorities and others will communicate any closures to the public and provide real-time updates.'
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.
⚠️AMBER WEATHER WARNING⚠️
The @metoffice has issued an AMBER warning for WIND🍃
Monday (04/08) 10:00- Monday (04/08) 23:59
YELLOW warnings are also still in place:
Monday (04/08) 06:00- Monday (04/08) 22:00
More information can be found here👉 https://t.co/TjWpK1EYB6 pic.twitter.com/Kss0lWf66m
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 3, 2025
Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes.
Rod Dennis, of 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.'
Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: '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.'
If strong winds are forecast, make sure you keep your home protected.
Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything that could be blown into windows and cause danger.
Find out more at https://t.co/l28PA80tfM pic.twitter.com/0bs2TnnFTJ
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 2, 2025
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland.
'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.'
The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added.
'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east.
'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.'
The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England.
Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
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The winds are expected to ease across Orkney early on Tuesday and will slow down over Shetland on Tuesday morning. Residents are urged to secure loose objects, check travel plans and take precautions for potential short-term power cuts. Traffic Scotland have confirmed that several bridges in the Highlands will be closed today, ahead of the high winds from Storm Floris. The following bridges are expected to be affected: Dan Suri is a Met Office Chief Meteorologist. He said: 'Much of Scotland is likely to see gusts of 50-70mph with more than 80mph on some exposed coasts, hills and bridges. 'Western coastal areas will see the highest gusts late morning, with the strongest winds transferring to northeastern Scotland by late afternoon. 'Across the wider yellow warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60mph likely at higher elevations and around some exposed coasts.' 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The following services have been affected: Aberdeen City Council has confirmed Duthie Park Outdoor Nursery will be closed on Monday. All other early learning centres are scheduled to open as usual. A spokesperson said: 'Due to forecast storm winds, Duthie Park Outdoor ELC will be closed tomorrow. 'All other ELCs are due to remain open.' CrossCountry Trains have become the latest operator to announce cancellations to Monday's timetable ahead of Storm Floris. All services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen will be suspended tomorrow. Tickets will be valid for use for the remainder of today and on Tuesday. A statement issued by the firm on the Platform X reads: 'Due to weather warnings and the predicted impact of StormFloris, CrossCountry services will not operate between Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Monday, August 4. 'If you are travelling north of Edinburgh with CrossCountry, tickets dated August 4 can be used to travel today or Tuesday, August 5.' Operators of Cairngorm Mountain Resort have confirmed all adventure activities will be closed throughout the day on Monday. A statement, issued on social media, reads: 'A reminder that all adventure activities are closed tomorrow, Monday 4 August, due to Storm Floris. 'Please check for updates on the Mountain Railway operations in the morning before travelling.' Train services in the north and north-east will grind to a halt from noon on Monday as gale force winds and heavy rain batter the region. The Highland Main Line, West Highland Line and Far North Lines will be closed as services between Inverness and Aberdeen are suspended. Network Rail engineers will be out in force on Tuesday morning, inspecting the lines for potential damage. Commuters are being advised to check their journey before venturing out. Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: 'With the severity of Storm Floris becoming clear, our priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues. That is why we've taken the decision to close some parts of Scotland's Railway early on Monday as the worst of the conditions hit the country.' Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog, where our reporters will be posting regular updates about Storm Floris as it makes landfall in Scotland. Make sure to hit the refresh button on your browser to see new posts.
