Storm Floris threatens travel chaos for Britain

Telegraph

a day ago

Storm Floris may bring travel chaos to Britain, with powerful winds and rain forecast for Monday.
Amber warnings have been issued for most of Scotland, lasting from 10am to 10pm, while a yellow alert for wind is in place for northern parts of England from 6am on Monday to 6pm on Tuesday.
National Rail warned there could be delays and cancellations on the railway, and high winds could topple trees and damage power lines.
The weather could also disrupt road, air and ferry services, and close bridges, it is feared.
Many inland parts of the warning area experience westerly gusts of 40-50mph. Exposed areas near the coast and on high ground could see gusts of 70mph, the Met Office said.
There is a chance that winds could even reach 85mph on Scottish coastlines and hills.
Scottish ferry operator CalMac issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm.
It wrote on X: 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday Aug 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast.'
Drivers 'need to take extra care'
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.'
Matthew Lehnert, the chief meteoroglist at the Met Office, 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.'
Uncertainty over path of storm
The strongest winds will probably be in Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesman added.
He said: '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 storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August. January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
The Met Office warned people to only open internal doors when 'needed '.
In a post on X linking to advice on how to stay safe in a storm, the Met Office said: 'Storm Floris is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain for parts of the UK from Monday.
'Stay #WeatherReady and check out some advice from our partners about keeping yourself, your home, and your garden safe.'
Other advice included to 'open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you', park vehicles in a garage, secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and stay indoors as much as possible.
Forecasters added that those leaving home should try not to walk or shelter close to buildings or trees.