THE MET Office has warned of travel chaos as Storm Floris is set to batter the UK today with 90mph winds and a danger to life alert in place.
Weather warnings are coming into force with Storm Floris expected to cause severe travel disruption.
MET OfficeWeather warnings are coming into force with Storm Floris expected to cause severe travel disruption[/caption]
AlamyPeople try to shelter from the downpour in West Bay, Dorset, yesterday[/caption]
AlamyHolidaymakers shelter under their umbrella to keep dry during a rain shower at the seaside resort of West Bay in Dorset ahead of Storm Floris[/caption]
A yellow warning for wind for northern parts of the UK became active at 6am today and will last until 6am on Tuesday.
This means some buildings may be damaged, tiles blown from roofs, and people could be hurt by flying debris.
The warnings have been upgraded to amber for much of Scotland, lasting from 10am to 10pm.
The alert reads: “Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”
Gusts of 50 to 70mph are expected for many parts of Scotland, and are likely to reach 80 to 90mph on some exposed coasts, hills and bridges.
People across the UK have been warned to check the weather conditions before driving.
The yellow alert also added: “If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Train operator LNER told passengers not to travel north of Newcastle while Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston, warning it will be “heavily impacted” by the weather.
The storm could also disrupt road, air and ferry services, and close bridges.
Much of Scotland will be battered by heavy rain.
Some trains and ferry services have already been cancelled with more likely to be affected.
The 5-day forecast
Today:
Storm Floris brings unseasonably strong winds during Monday, accompanied by heavy rain at first, especially in the north.
Turning drier from the west later with sunny spells later that will spread eastwards through the day, though still windy.
Tonight:
Rain in the southeast to begin with but slowly clearing. Clear spells with some shower in the north.
Staying windy here but slowly easing by the early morning.
Tuesday:
Staying blustery across the north with some showers in the northwest to start, becoming more widespread across northern areas.
These ease later, but feeling cooler than in recent days.
Wednesday to Friday:
Drier and warmer on Wednesday with lighter winds. Generally cloudier again on Thursday with outbreaks of rain for some.
Showers continuing in the north on Friday.
Western coastal areas are expected to bear the brunt of the storm although strong winds and rain will likely lead to disruption at Edinburgh’s festivals.
Network Rail said several lines will be closed from 12pm on Monday, with all other routes experiencing a reduced timetable and longer journey times.
Ferry operator CalMac has also issued a series of cancellations ahead of the storm.
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. January’s Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
PAA man makes a makeshift cover to shelter from the morning rain in central London[/caption]
SelwynPicsA woman tries to escape the heavy rain in Westminster[/caption]
PARacegoers attempt to get under cover during heavy rain[/caption]
Where do the warnings cover?
Amber warning:
Central Scotland, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
Highlands & Eilean Siar
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Strathclyde
Yellow warning:
Central Scotland, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
Highlands & Eilean Siar
North East England
North West England
Northern Ireland
Orkney & Shetland
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Strathclyde
North Wales
Yorkshire & Humber
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