To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information.
News | UK
Storm Floris battered Britain causing severe travel disruption in what was described as “the most damaging summer storm in recent memory”.
The Met Office warned of injuries and danger to life from large waves hitting seafronts, coastal roads and properties as the serious warning came into place for central and northern Scotland at 10am on Monday. It lasted until 11pm, having been extended an hour from 10am.
And Scottish & Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) revealed on Monday night that more than 40,000 homes in Scotland were without power, adding that is was “the most damaging summer storm in recent memory”.
A more general yellow warning for wind for northern parts of the UK became active at 6am on Monday and will last until 6am on Tuesday.
Gusts in excess of 100mph were recorded in the Scottish Highlands — with one on the summit of Cairngorm recorded at 124mph.
In Scotland, police warned drivers to stay away from two roads in Aberdeenshire and the Western Highlands — which were blocked by fallen trees and overturned campervans respectively.
Bridges such as the A9 Dornoch Bridge, Highlands, and the A1 Tyne Bridge in East Lothian were also closed due to high winds.
Several rail lines north of the Border were blocked by fallen trees, including one near Cornton in Stirling which landed on overhead wires.
Crews were also called out to cut back fallen trees from the line near Giffnock, East Renfrewshire.
Network Rail said power had been lost to part of the overhead wires on the west coast main line as it battles with disruption from Storm Floris.
The west coast main line between Motherwell and Newton in South Lanarkshire was affected by the outage.
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.
Much of Scotland is being battered by heavy rain, with conditions likely to lead to disruption at Edinburgh’s festivals. Edinburgh Castle has shut to tourists.
ScotRail asked anyone with garden equipment such as trampolines to keep them secure as the storm began to hit Scotland on Monday morning.
David Ross, of ScotRail, warned that disruptions could stretch into Tuesday, adding: “Until we have an opportunity to inspect the routes later tonight and tomorrow morning… it’s very difficult to say in advance.”
Scottish Government minister Angela Constance also urged people to check on the welfare of vulnerable neighbours and if travelling, to “consider this a winter journey as opposed to a summer journey”.
Some trains and ferry services have already been cancelled, with more likely to be affected.
While London will escape the brunt of the storm, the capital experienced a wet afternoon with gusts of up to 35mph.
Network Rail said several lines would be closed from 12pm on Monday, with all other routes experiencing a reduced timetable and longer journey times.
Edinburgh — Fife/Perth/Dundee, Perth — Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness and the West Highland Line are among the routes that will close at noon.
Ferry operator CalMac had 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.
All the London trains disrupted as Storm Floris hits UK
“There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.”
The strongest winds affected Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but “there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris”, a spokesman 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.
MORE ABOUT
Have your say…
1
Football
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal face Eze rival; Isak to Liverpool update; Sesko twist; Man Utd, Chelsea latest
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal face Eze rival; new Isak bid; Sesko twist
2
Comment
Gen Z are eating dinner at 6pm – and it’s because they’re losers
Gen Z are eating dinner at 6pm – and it’s because they’re losers
3
Football
Arsenal XI vs Villarreal: Madueke debut, confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for friendly
Arsenal XI vs Villarreal: Madueke debut and confirmed team news
4
Football
Chelsea ‘send brutal transfer message’ as nine first-team stars left off new squad list
Chelsea ‘send transfer message’ as nine stars left off new squad list
5
UK
YouTube videos ‘coach’ potential migrants how to use little-known visa scheme to bring entire family into UK
YouTube videos ‘coach’ people how to use visas to bring family to UK
