Approaching Storm Floris prompts yellow warnings across eight counties
In the early hours of Monday, August 4, 2025, Storm Floris made landfall in the northern parts of the UK and Ireland, bringing intense rainfall and severe winds. The storm caused amber and yellow weather warnings across Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland, and parts of Wales and Ireland.
In the UK, particularly Scotland, rainfall averaged 20-40mm, with some areas receiving up to 80mm. Wind speeds reached 80-90 mph in exposed/high-elevation areas, with gusts of 50-60 mph in much of Scotland. Amber warnings forecast significant disruption, including power outages, transport closures, and damage from falling trees due to strong winds coinciding with trees being in full leaf during summer.
For Ireland, Met Éireann issued yellow warnings mainly for the western counties, predicting "blustery" and "unseasonably windy" weather with strong southwest winds becoming westerly, accompanied by heavy rain and a chance of thunder. Though severe damage was not expected in general, warnings highlighted the risk of fallen branches and disruption due to people camping and traveling.
The timing for the storm's impact was mainly early Monday for Ireland, with the UK experiencing the worst conditions through the day until late evening. The storm brought a rare summer event of strong winds combined with heavy rainfall, impacting transport, electricity, and outdoor activities.
| Region | Rainfall | Wind Speeds | Warnings Issued | Expected Impact | |-------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Northern UK (Scotland, N. England) | 20-40mm average, up to 80mm in places | 80-90 mph exposed, 50-60 mph gusts | Amber warnings in Scotland, yellow in N. England | Power outages, transport disruption, fallen trees | | Northern Ireland, Western Ireland | Heavy rain overnight clearing by morning | Strong gusty W to NW winds, "blustery" | Yellow warnings mainly in west (Clare to Donegal) | Some fallen branches, generally less severe disruption |
Storm Floris, the sixth named storm of the 2024/2025 season, has been named by the UK Met Office. The forecaster, Andrew Doran-Sherlock, stated that due to the large number of outdoor events scheduled, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than usual.
In addition to the wind and rain, lightning damage is also a potential risk during Storm Floris. Wave overtopping and localized flooding are potential hazards, and the forecaster advises people to pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings over the weekend and take them into account with any plans they have.
Met Éireann has issued wind warnings for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo, valid from 2am to 1pm on Monday. A wind warning for counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, and Leitrim, valid from 4am to 4pm on Monday, has also been issued. Lightning damage and dangerous traveling conditions are potential risks during the storm. A Status Yellow rain warning is in effect for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo, valid from 2am to 10am on Monday.
As the storm continues to impact the UK and Ireland, it's important for everyone to stay informed, stay safe, and follow the advice of local authorities.
In light of the forecasted wind speeds and heavy rainfall, residents in Scotland should prepare for potential power outages and transport disruptions due to fallen trees. As advised by Met Éireann, people in counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo should be mindful of the risk of dangerous traveling conditions and lightning damage during the storm.
