Hurricane Warnings Issued for Eight Counties Before the Arrival of Storm Floris
Storm Floris is set to hit Ireland and the UK this weekend, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rain, and potential disruption. The storm has been named by the UK Met Office as the sixth named storm of the 2024/2025 season.
Wind Warnings Issued
In the UK, the Met Office has issued several wind warnings. An amber warning is in place for much of northern Scotland, where winds of up to 85-90 mph are expected and pose a danger to life. Yellow wind warnings cover Northern Ireland, north Wales, northern England, and other coastal parts of Scotland and the UK, bringing very strong winds expected particularly along the coasts. The only remaining warning as of Tuesday morning is a yellow wind warning for Orkney from 12am to 8am.
In Ireland, Met Éireann has issued Status Yellow weather warnings, mainly impacting the northwest and Northern Ireland. Counties severely affected include Donegal, Roscommon, and areas in Northern Ireland such as County Antrim and Londonderry. Wind speeds recorded include 59 mph in County Londonderry and 56 mph in County Antrim. The storm caused around 10,000 homes to lose power, especially in the northwest, with councils closing outdoor spaces and advising the public to avoid forests and parks until winds subside.
Potential Impacts
The storm is predicted to pose a greater risk of exposure due to the large number of outdoor events scheduled, particularly in Ireland. The forecaster has cautioned that more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than usual due to the Bank Holiday weekend and numerous outdoor events.
Storm Floris will also bring spells of heavy rain, with a chance of thunder. The potential affects of the storm may also result in power outages, wave overtopping, lightning damage, and localised flooding.
Advice for the Public
The advice given is to take weather forecasts and warnings into consideration when making plans. Andrew Doran-Sherlock, the forecaster, has advised paying attention to weather forecasts and warnings over the weekend. He has cautioned that the storm may impact outdoor events and cause dangerous travelling conditions, structural damage, trees to fall, and debris.
The wind warning for Ireland is valid for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo from 2am to 1pm on Monday. A Status Yellow rain warning is valid for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo from 2am to 10am on Monday.
These warnings emphasize hazardous driving conditions, fallen trees, local flooding, and the need for caution during the storm. It is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay indoors if possible.
Storm Floris is expected to affect outdoor events, including those involving camping. Those planning to attend such events are advised to check the latest weather updates and to be prepared for potential disruptions.
In summary, Storm Floris will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Ireland and the UK, with potential impacts including travel disruption, power outages, fallen trees, and local flooding. It is important to stay informed and to take necessary precautions to ensure safety during the storm.
- Since Storm Floris is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain, the public is advised to pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings over the weekend to ensure safety during travel.
- In addition to strong winds and heavy rain, Storm Floris may cause power outages, wave overtopping, lightning damage, localized flooding, and fallen trees, particularly during outdoor events and in areas where numerous outdoor events are scheduled.
