The UK is to be hit by gusts of up to 85mph winds on Monday as Storm Floris batters the country. A yellow weather warning will be in effect for Scotland, Northern Ireland, the north of Wales and the north of England down to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and York between 6am on Monday and 6am on Tuesday. Travellers have been warned to take precautions, as Brits camp in beauty spots or visit seaside resorts.
In the yellow zone are the Lake District, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire and Scotland. Thousands are gathering in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, which began on Friday. Forecasters say the strongest winds are most likely to occur across Scotland during Monday afternoon and night, but there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris. Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places, the Met Office warned. Many inland parts of the warning area will see westerly gusts of between 40 and 50mph, and exposed coasts and high ground could see them reach 70mph.
There is a chance that winds could reach 85mph on Scottish coastlines and hills.
11 regions are included in the warning: Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, North East England, North West England, Northern Ireland, Orkney and Shetland, South West Scotland and Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber.
A Visit England spokesperson said: “The summer season is so important for our tourism businesses and destinations, and we know it’s already been a mixed picture so far this year.
“Our weather is always a talking point and it’s timely to highlight that there really are so many activities to suit both dry and wet weather days.
“So do check the local forecasts, do take sensible precautions and when the weather allows, do go out and explore the amazing destinations and attractions here on our doorstep, tourism businesses will be very pleased to see you.”
Drivers have been warned to take care.
RAC breakdown service’s Rod Dennis said: “This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week.
“It’s the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.”
The Met Office advises that drivers should stay at home unless their journey is “really necessary”.
Experts also say that motorists should take care when driving on exposed routes, such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.
Those in vehicles should also slow down and be aware of side winds, with particular care being taken while towing or while in a high-sided vehicle.
The agency told Brits that injuries and a danger to life are possible due to “flying debris”, such as tiles falling from roofs, and those near the coast are urged to be aware of “large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties”.
The adverse conditions could also cause building damage, disruption to public transport, closed roads and power cuts.
The Met Office says householders should make sure they have multiple torches along with extra batteries in case of outages.
Neighbours should also look out for elderly neighbours and ensure they are prepared, experts said.
Residents are advised to stay indoors “as much as possible”, and, if they are required to go outside, they should “try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees”.
The Met Office also emphasised that people should keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences, as, if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side.
Moreover, weather specialists warned that individuals should not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress, and, if possible, enter and leave their house through doors on the sheltered side, closing them behind them.
Opening internal doors only as needed is also advised, and closing them afterwards.
The Met Office said: “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.”
It added: “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, which runs from early September to late August, and January’s Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
Named storms are more frequent in late autumn and winter but are “not uncommon” for summer, experts said.
Matthew Lehnert, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, 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.
“There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.”
Winds will first begin to ease in the west late on Monday, but remain very strong until early Tuesday in the east of the warning area, forecasters predict.