Met Office issues rare 12-hour ‘danger to life’ warning as Storm Floris brings 90mph winds
The Met Office has issued a rare amber warning ahead of Storm Floris’s arrival in the UK.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning. (Image: Getty)
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind on Monday from 10am to 10pm in Northern Scotland as the UK braces for Storm Floris. The Met Office said: “Storm Floris will bring unseasonably strong and disruptive winds to much of Scotland on Monday.” The forecaster also warned of “injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties”. Flying debris could lead to “injuries or danger to life”, forecasters also warned.
It added that “some damage to trees and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs” is expected, as well as “longer journey times and cancellations”, as road, rail, air, and ferry services are affected. This is set to be exacerbated by the possibility of some roads and bridges being closed. Residents should also prepare for power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage, experts said. They also urged Brits to “consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items”.
The Met Office added: “Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually strong west or northwesterly winds to much of Scotland during Monday. Gusts of 50 to 70mph are expected for many parts, and are likely to reach 80 to 90mph on some exposed coasts, hills, and bridges.
Brits have been told to prepare for inclement conditions. (Image: Getty)
“Western coastal areas will see the highest gusts between late morning and early afternoon, the strongest winds then transferring to northeastern Scotland by late afternoon/early evening.”
Driving is advised against.
But if you must drive, motorists can “do this more safely by taking the following actions: drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high-sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual.”
Experts added: “Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.
“In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.”
They also said: “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.”
The UK is set for high winds on Monday. (Image: WXCharts)
Regions and local authorities under amber warning:
Central, Tayside & Fife
- Angus
- Clackmannanshire
- Dundee
- Falkirk
- Fife
- Perth and Kinross
- Stirling
Grampian
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
- Na h-Eileanan Siar
- Highland
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
- East Lothian
- Edinburgh
- Midlothian Council
- Scottish Borders
- West Lothian
Strathclyde
- Argyll and Bute
- East Ayrshire
- East Dunbartonshire
- East Renfrewshire
- Glasgow
- Inverclyde
- North Ayrshire
- North Lanarkshire
- Renfrewshire
- South Lanarkshire
- West Dunbartonshire
