Storm Floris: Scotland braces for 85mph winds, travel chaos

The warning will be in place between 10am and 10pm on Monday (Ben Birchall/PA) Ben Birchall

Scots are being warned to plan ahead as Storm Floris is set to batter parts of the country with winds of up to 85mph on Monday. The unseasonable summer storm has prompted widespread travel warnings and service cancellations across Scotland.

An amber weather warning covers the majority of Scotland between 10am and 10pm on Monday. A yellow warning for wind extends as far south as Manchester and north Wales, including the entirety of Northern Ireland, from 6am to midnight.

Train services face major disruption

Network Rail will close numerous routes from 12pm on Monday, with all remaining services operating reduced timetables and longer journey times due to speed restrictions. Key lines including Edinburgh to Fife, Perth, and Dundee, as well as connections to Aberdeen, Inverness, and the Highlands will shut down from noon.

Train operator LNER has advised passengers not to travel north of Newcastle on Monday due to the forecast conditions. Those with Monday tickets can travel on Sunday instead, with tickets remaining valid until Wednesday.

Ferry and road warnings issued

Avanti West Coast expects its Scottish-English routes to be "heavily affected" and has warned passengers against travelling north of Preston. Services through Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh are likely to face significant disruption.

Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued cancellation warnings across its network for Monday. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cancelled its Monday show, with other Edinburgh events also expected to be axed.

Government urges caution

Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said officials held a meeting on Friday to prepare for the storm. "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," she said.

Hyslop urged people to check with operators as rail, ferries, roads and bridges are expected to face disruption across the country on Monday. She emphasised the importance of planning ahead, checking journeys in advance, and allowing extra time.

Motorists warned of dangerous conditions

The Met Office warned that gusts could reach 85mph on exposed coasts and hills north of the border. Many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed Scottish coasts.

Rod Dennis of the RAC breakdown service highlighted particular risks for holiday travellers. "Those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured," he said.

Storm timeline and safety advice

The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night, though meteorologists note some uncertainty remains about the storm's exact depth and track. Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remain very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east.

Shaun Jones of the AA advised drivers to keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and watch for fallen branches or debris. Heavy rain may also contribute to disruption in places across the warning zone.

Storm Floris marks the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 season, which runs from early September to late August. January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent before this latest weather system.

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.