Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England are bracing for winds of up to 90mph on Monday and the Met Office has issued new advice after upgrading its weather warning
People in some parts of the UK have been told to keep their doors closed with brutal Storm Floris now just hours away.
On Monday, winds of up to 90mph are forecast to hit many areas of Britain, with an upgraded Amber weather warning issued with a ‘danger to life’ alert. The Met Office have urged those in the firing line to stay inside, and have told dog owners living near coastal areas to keep their pets on a lead.
Floris is predicted to cause havoc across Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England tomorrow. The worst conditions could bring very strong wins along with torrential rain. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealing the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK.
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In a post on X offering 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 includes: “Opening internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you”, parking vehicles in a garage, securing loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and stay indoors as much as possible.
The Met Office said winds would first ease in the west of the UK later on Monday but remain 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.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK early next week. The strongest winds are most likely to occur across Scotland during Monday afternoon and night, although there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris.
“Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see westerly wind gusts of 40-50 mph with 60-70 mph possible along exposed coasts and high ground, especially Scotland. There is a chance of a spell of even stronger winds developing for a time, with inland gusts of 60-70 mph and 85mph along exposed Scottish coastlines and hills.
“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.” Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.”People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“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.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season. Named storms are more frequent in late autumn and winter but are “not uncommon” for summer, the Met Office has said. The weekend will see both sunshine and showers before Floris hits on Monday.