**Storm Floris Brings Unseasonal High Winds to Wales, Widespread Disruption Expected**
Wales is bracing itself for the impact of Storm Floris, with meteorologists forecasting unusually fierce winds for early August. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind, spanning Monday and Tuesday, as the sixth named storm of the 2024-2025 season sweeps across the country. The adverse conditions are expected to be particularly severe across North Wales, with residents advised to secure property and prepare for possible power outages.
The warning comes as the Met Office predicts unseasonably strong gusts, with the potential for wind speeds reaching up to 85mph in the most exposed coastal and upland areas, particularly in Scotland. In Wales, northern counties including Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and the Isle of Anglesey are set to bear the brunt of the storm. Forecasters are urging caution, especially given the time of year when such powerful storms are uncommon.
Transport networks are already feeling the strain ahead of the worst of the weather. In Scotland, train and ferry cancellations have been confirmed, and Network Rail intends to close several rail routes by midday Monday. Operators such as LNER and Avanti West Coast have advised those planning to travel north of Newcastle or Preston respectively to delay journeys, as significant disruptions are predicted. Ticket flexibility will be provided into Wednesday to accommodate affected passengers.
Cultural events have not escaped the effects of Storm Floris. The organisers of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have announced the cancellation of Monday’s performance, with other Edinburgh shows also likely to be called off. Such decisions highlight the wider social impact the storm may have, disrupting both commuters and holidaymakers during a period usually notable for its calm and relatively settled weather.
Detailed weather maps provided by the Met Office illustrate the storm’s projected path through Wales. In the early hours of Monday, gusts of up to 30mph are anticipated in coastal areas like Caernarfon, while Cardiff is expected to see up to 19mph. As the morning unfolds, wind speeds will intensify, with maximum gusts of 40-54mph in locations like Holyhead and persistent strong winds reported inland, including areas such as Wrexham and Monmouth.
By midday, north-westerly winds are forecast to deliver maximum gusts in the low to mid-40mph range along much of the Welsh coast, affecting Aberystwyth, Caernarfon and Pembroke. Later in the evening, the wind direction will shift slightly, though speeds are predicted to remain elevated, with St Asaph and Wrexham potentially facing peak gusts of up to 39mph and 37mph, respectively.
As Monday night progresses, winds are expected to ease, with most of Wales experiencing gusts of between 20-30mph by late evening. While the official Met Office warning is set to expire just before midnight, Tuesday could still see blustery conditions, with Aberystwyth and Holyhead facing wind speeds over 40mph at times. However, by Tuesday evening, winds should continue to moderate, with most places seeing a dramatic reduction in gust intensity.
Officials are stressing the importance of vigilance, warning that power cuts and fallen debris may pose hazards during the worst of the storm. Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop remarked on the unusual timing of the disturbance, noting, “Given the unusual timing, and the fact some people will be on holiday, travelling or perhaps unaware, we are trying to raise even more awareness than usual of this potentially disruptive storm.” Both the public and businesses are being urged to keep abreast of the latest weather updates, check travel information regularly, and avoid making unnecessary journeys.
Experts at the Met Office reinforced the message, highlighting that inland areas across the warning zone could experience gusts between 40-50mph, with up to 70mph in higher, exposed regions. The risk of even higher, 85mph gusts cannot be ruled out in some coastal stretches, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Those living in or travelling through affected areas are encouraged to take precautions, plan ahead, and prepare for possible interruptions to daily routines as the storm makes its presence felt across Wales and beyond. As always, the advice is to put safety first, and to monitor official channels for the latest developments as conditions evolve.