Warning: Amber

To expect: Wind

Affected area: Multiple, listed below

Start time estimate: Monday 11am

End time estimate: Tuesday midnight

Storm Floris triggers the Met Office to announce an updated Amber wind warning for several regions across the UK for Monday and Tuesday.

The warning is covering parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.

Strong gusts will sweep through the regions. The blustery conditions are expected to start on Monday at around 11am and persist until Tuesday midnight.

The updated Amber warning for wind was issued at 11:16am on Sunday, August 3.

A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually strong west or northwesterly winds to much of Scotland during Monday. Gusts of 50 to 70 mph are expected for many parts, and are likely to reach 80 to 90 mph on some exposed coasts, hills and bridges. Western coastal areas will see the highest gusts between late morning and early afternoon, the strongest winds then transferring to northeastern Scotland by late afternoon/early evening.”

What to expect

Power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Some roads and bridges closed; Some damage to trees and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, expected; Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties; Flying debris could lead to Injuries or danger to life; Longer journey times and cancellations, as road, rail, air and ferry services affected.

What should you do?

Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual. Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. 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. 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. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

Full list of local areas affected

Central, Tayside and Fife
Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling

Grampian
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray

Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland

Orkney and Shetland
Orkney Islands

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian

Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire

What is an updated amber weather warning?

The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.

A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.

An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.

A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.

The Amber weather alert for wind will remain in effect until midnight on Tuesday.