Drivers across the UK are being urged to put five “essential” items in their cars this weekend ahead of Storm Floris’s arrival.
Amber and yellow weather warnings cover large swathes of the northern half of the UK on Monday, August 4, as a storm is forecast to bring powerful winds up to 90mph. The amber warning is in force from 10am until 10pm on Monday for much of Scotland, which is expected to get the worst of the weather, while a yellow warning covers northern parts of the country from 6am until 23.59pm on Monday. The strong winds are forecast to be accompanied by heavy rainfall, with households warned that power cuts and mobile phone outages could occur. Some roads and bridges may be closed due to the weather, and drivers have been told to brace for longer journey times.
Ahead of the storm, the Met Office has shared advice on how to drive safely in strong winds. Drivers are urged to pack five essentials in their cars before Monday. These include warm clothing, food, drink, a blanket, and a torch.
It’s also recommended that drivers carry a fully charged mobile phone and an in-car charger or battery pack in case of an emergency.
In its advice, the Met Office said: “Windy weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys: Plan your route, check for delays and road closures. Listen out for travel updates on your car radio/sat nav.
“If you don’t have essentials in your car then pack for the worst (warm clothing, food, drink, blanket, torch). Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack.”
Storm Floris is forecast to bring gusts between 50mph and 70mph to many inland areas in northern parts of the UK on Monday. Winds are likely to reach up to 90mph on some exposed coasts, hills, and bridges in Scotland.
The conditions will be potentially dangerous for drivers. Damage to trees and buildings, such as tiles being blown from roofs, is expected, and flying debris poses a risk of injuries or danger to life.
As such, drivers are being advised to only make journeys if necessary and to take precautions on the roads.
The Met Office adds: “Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you 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.”