Storm Floris Batters Scotland with Winds Up to 85mph
Storm Floris has slammed into Scotland on Monday, bringing winds strong enough to cancel trains, ferries, and summer events. An amber warning for wind remains in place from 10am to 10pm, with gusts reaching up to 85mph on exposed hills and coastlines. The Met Office says these conditions “pose a danger to life,” while many inland areas across the wider yellow warning zone including Northern Ireland, north Wales, and northern England, are seeing gusts of 40-50mph.
Train operators like LNER and Avanti West Coast are urging passengers not to travel north of Newcastle or Preston, respectively, and Network Rail has shut down several Scottish lines and imposed speed restrictions across the rest. Ferry operator CalMac has cancelled numerous sailings, warning of system-wide disruption. "Please check with operators as we do expect rail, ferries, roads and bridges to be disrupted on Monday," Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop advised.
The storm, which follows one of the UK’s warmest Julys on record, is unusual for August but not unheard of. Events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Fringe by the Sea have been cancelled, and drivers are being told to slow down and secure loads, especially caravans and trailers. The public has been urged to treat travel like a winter journey and to check on vulnerable neighbours.
