**Met Office Issues Yellow Warnings as Storm Floris Approaches—Public Urged to Prepare**
The Met Office has issued significant yellow weather warnings as Storm Floris approaches the UK, bringing unseasonably powerful winds and the risk of disruption to large swathes of the country. Residents in Wales, as well as areas across Scotland and northern England, are being advised to take immediate precautions to secure their properties and prepare for potential power outages over the coming days.
According to the latest forecasts, Storm Floris is expected to make landfall on Monday, unleashing gusts far in excess of those typical for this time of year. The impact will be especially pronounced in North Wales, with counties such as Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and the Isle of Anglesey likely to bear the brunt. The Met Office cautions that the winds, which could reach up to 85mph in exposed coastal and hilltop locations, may lead to fallen trees, flying debris, and interruptions to travel and utilities.
In response, officials are encouraging residents to check their properties for any loose items that could become hazardous projectiles. The Met Office has recommended keeping all non-essential internal doors closed, storing outdoor furniture and equipment inside if possible, and parking vehicles securely, preferably in garages. Those in the affected regions are also urged to remain indoors and to avoid sheltering close to large buildings or under trees.
The weather front associated with Storm Floris is expected to bring more than just high winds. Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall could exacerbate the situation, leading to concerns over localised flooding and further increasing the risk of travel disruption. The warning zone extends across the northern parts of the UK, encompassing parts of Northern Ireland in addition to the named regions of Scotland, England, and Wales.
“The arrival of Storm Floris marks a period of unusually stormy conditions for early August,” a Met Office spokesperson explained. “While the most intense gusts are expected in Scotland during Monday afternoon and overnight, areas within the yellow warning zone, including many inland locations, could see winds strong enough to cause disruption. Some uncertainty remains regarding the storm’s exact path and intensity, but it is clear that caution is warranted.”
As part of the guidance issued, the public is being advised to gather torches, spare batteries, and portable power banks, should power cuts occur. The Met Office has also highlighted the hazards of coastal conditions, urging people to respect the power of the sea during stormy spells. “Large breaking waves can pose a danger even from the shoreline, and there is a risk of being swept out by strong surges. Please take care if you must be outdoors, keep dogs on leads when walking near cliffs, and in an emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard,” the spokesperson added.
Commuters and travellers are being advised to consult up-to-date road and rail information before setting out, with the possibility of closures or delays. Those who are able to do so are recommended to change travel plans in advance, to minimise risk and inconvenience.
People are also reminded to stay alert to changing weather updates, as warnings may evolve rapidly depending on how Storm Floris develops. The current anticipation is that winds will ease in western areas later on Monday, while remaining severe overnight and into Tuesday for regions further east.
Storm Floris becomes the sixth named storm in this year’s season, underscoring what experts describe as a trend toward more frequent extreme weather in summer, although such events are generally more common in the colder months. This latest bout of severe weather follows a weekend of mixed sunshine and showers, serving as a sharp reminder of nature’s potential for sudden change.
The Met Office’s call to remain ‘weather ready’ is echoed by local authorities and emergency planners, who continue to monitor the situation. Residents are encouraged to keep abreast of local news updates, follow official advice, and maintain vigilance as conditions unfold.