Rail disruption is set to continue into Tuesday after Storm Floris battered the UK with 90mph winds on Monday, causing trains cancellations and mass power cuts.
Trains, flights, and ferries were cancelled on Monday amid danger to life warnings from the Met Office.
Network Rail warned that travel disruption will continue into Tuesday following “severe” impacts on Scotland’s railways - with ScotRail saying there has been “extensive damage” on its routes.
Amber and yellow wind warnings across much of Scotland, northern England, northern Ireland and northern Wales were due to be lifted by 12am, when a yellow wind warning will come into force in Orkney until 8am.
On Monday, more than 43,000 properties were left without electricity in the Highlands and north-east of Scotland this afternoon, operators said.
Network Rail Scotland has posted maps showing wind speeds in excess of 90mph, while the Met Office has recorded highs of 82mph.
Events such as the Edinburgh Fringe are monitoring the situation, but a military parade has been cancelled. An Oasis concert in the Scottish capital is still scheduled to go ahead.
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Storm Floris: Key points
- Rail disruption to continue into Tuesday, Network Rail says
- Network Rail expresses anger after debris blown onto tracks
- Storm has caused 'extensive' damage, says ScotRail
- More than 43,000 homes without power in Scotland
- Met Office records top wind gusts at 82mph
- Mapped: Yellow wind warning in force on Tuesday morning
Mapped: Rain largely clears from UK on Tuesday as Storm Floris moves east
23:14
,
Alex Croft
Met Office records top wind speed of 82mph
22:27
,
Alex Croft
Here are the top wind gusts we have recorded so far today in association with Storm Floris
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 4, 2025
Scotland has provisionally broken it's August record of 82mph at Wick Airport pic.twitter.com/0ajW5YrUx3
More than 43,000 homes without power in Scotland
22:17
,
Alex Croft
More than 43,000 homes in Scotland were out of supply as of earlier this evening, according to the lates update from Scottish & Southern Electricity Network (SSEN).
At around 7pm, 9,000 homes had been reconnected.
Students will see exam results delayed due to storm
22:06
,
Alex Croft
There will be delays to the delivery of some exam results in island communities as a result of Storm Floris, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has said.
With results due on Tuesday, the SQA said deliveries to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland will be delayed due to the adverse weather.
The SQA said students should contact their school or college in the first instance who should be able to help them.
Mapped: Yellow wind warning to come into force on Tuesday
21:57
,
Alex Croft
The only remaining weather warning due to Storm Floris is a yellow wind warning in Orkney, which will be in place from 12am to 8am on Tuesday.
“Very strong northwesterly winds, including gusts of 50 to 70 mph, in the wake of Storm Floris will ease across Orkney early on Tuesday and then slowly wane a little over Shetland during Tuesday morning,” the Met Office said.
It warns of potential travel delays and power losses in the affected region.
Network Rail expresses anger after debris blown onto tracks
21:45
,
Alex Croft
Network Rail has expressed its frustration after a variety of different items blew onto its tracks across the UK, causing major disruption to travel in the UK.
The rail operator had earlier advised all people in the warning area to ensure they secured all garden furniture including trampolines, tarpaulin sheets and gazebos.
“We get all sorts of strange items blown onto tracks during very windy weather,” Network Rail posted at the end of Monday, with an angry face emoji.
“Here's a garden gazebo - complete with lights - on the railway in Huyton, Merseyside. Always tie down large items if you live near the railway - they can disrupt train services.”
We get all sorts of strange items blown onto tracks during very windy weather.
— Network Rail (@networkrail) August 4, 2025
Here's a garden gazebo - complete with lights - on the railway in #Huyton, Merseyside.
Always tie down large items if you live near the railway - they can disrupt train services.#StormFloris pic.twitter.com/UJjpi1oI9K
Mixed weather predicted in next five days
21:14
,
Alex Croft
With Storm Floris set to move eastwards going into Tuesday, what can the UK expect in the coming week?
Here is what the Met Office says...
This evening and tonight:
Any rain becoming slowly confined to Shetland this evening, leaving clear spells for many, with showers in the north. Remaining windy, especially in the north, but as Storm Floris begins to move away winds will start to ease later
Tuesday:
A mix of sunshine and showers, with the showers mainly across northern and central areas, where a few heavy showers are possible. Less windy than today, but still blustery.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Drier and warmer on Wednesday with lighter winds. Generally cloudier again on Thursday with outbreaks of rain for some. Showers continuing in the north on Friday.
In pictures: Beachgoers smothered in sand blown by heavy winds
20:43
,
Alex Croft
What will come after Storm Floris?
20:13
,
Alex Croft
Storm Floris will move northeast late on Monday going into Tuesday, the Met Office said.
This will leave behind a “breezy day for many in the north on Tuesday, with further showers over northern and some central and eastern parts of the UK”, it said.
The forecaster added: “Further south, conditions will be drier and sunnier.
“However, later this week there is a signal for further unsettled weather, with some strong winds and heavy rain late on Wednesday and into Thursday, particularly over Scotland.
“Further details will be available as we move through the week.”
Watch: Plane struggles to land as Storm Floris batters UK
19:47
,
Alex Croft
Storm Floris: What will it mean for your travel plans?
19:27
,
Alex Croft
With Storm Floris predicted to bring winds of up to 90mph to parts of the northern UK, travellers are being urged to postpone their journeys.
An amber Met Office warning for high wind is in place across much of Scotland. It covers the whole country north of Kilmarnock, Peebles and Berwick upon Tweed, except for Shetland – where a Met Office yellow weather warning is in place.
A yellow warning also applies to southern Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and North Wales. The southern extent is a line stretching from Scarborough to Snowdonia, and taking in Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
Glasgow-Edinburgh trains cancelled after sheet snags on overhead wires
19:06
,
Alex Croft
Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh train has been cancelled due to a polythene sheet becoming caught on the overhead lines.
“A large polythene sheet is caught on the overhead wires near Bishopbriggs, meaning trains can't run from Glasgow Queen Street towards Edinburgh or Stirling,” Network Rail Scotland said.
“Trains heading towards Glasgow can pass with caution. Staff on site inspecting the issue.”
Secure down your garden equipment, urge rail operators
18:45
,
Alex Croft
ScotRail is urging residents in areas affected by weather warnings to secure down their garden equipment.
This includes trampolines, tents, light furniture, and anything else which may be caught by the wind.
The precaution is so that they “don't blow onto the tracks and interfere with lineside equipment” - a problem which has already caused significant disruption on a number of rail lines.
Rail disruption to continue into Tuesday, Network Rail says
18:30
,
Alex Croft
Disruption to the rail network in Scotland from Storm Floris is likely to continue into Tuesday, passengers have been warned.
Network Rail said it is working “tirelessly” to clear routes blocked by falling trees and debris.
However, some checks will need to be carried out on Tuesday morning.
Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland’s route director, said: “Storm Floris has caused significant disruption to Scotland’s railway, with wind speeds of up to 90mph, unprecedented for a summer storm.
“Our teams have been working tirelessly to keep services moving where possible and to clear fallen trees and debris from the tracks.
“As the storm passes later this evening, our focus switches to inspecting routes which have been closed by fallen trees, debris and other damage.
“Our teams will work through the night, but this work will continue into Tuesday morning.
“We’ll use two helicopters to assist engineers on the ground. We’re grateful to passengers for their patience whilst we do this.”
Travellers suffer cancellations at the hands of Storm Floris
18:16
,
Alex Croft
The Kusz family are among those contending with delays and cancellations on the railway, as they attempt to return home to Blackpool with 11 pieces of luggage following a family holiday in Ayr.
They are currently at Glasgow Central station where they said there had been “about nine cancellations”.
Paul Audoire, 59, told the PA news agency: “The weather is not as bad as we thought, they are just taking precautions.
“We need to get off at Carlisle, wait for another train, get off at Preston and change trains again.
“I don’t know how long we need to wait at Carlisle or at Preston. It’s just a case of leapfrogging all the way.”
Storm Floris map shows where heavy rain and up to 90mph winds hit the UK
18:05
,
Alex Croft
An amber weather warning remains in force on Monday as Storm Floris continues to bring chaos to the UK, causing thousands of households to lose power.
Dozens of trains have been cancelled after the Met Office recorded a peak wind speeds of 79mph in the Scottish island of South Uist.
A large amber warning for wind covering most of Scotland will remain in place until 11pm, with the Met Office warning of a “danger to life” due to flying debris, travel chaos, and power cuts.
Read more here:
Storm damage is 'extensive', says ScotRail
17:51
,
Alex Croft
Damage by Storm Floris on railways in Scotland is “extensive”, ScotRail has said.
Work will soon begin to recover a number of routes which have been put out of action.
“The damage caused by the storm has been extensive, including trees falling onto overhead wires and tracks,” ScotRail said on X.
“Network Rail will soon begin work to recover the railway, as a number of routes will need to be inspected once the storm has passed and then repair work carried out.
“While some checks will be carried out later tonight, further inspections will be needed during daylight hours, which will cause disruption to services on some routes on Tuesday morning.”
In pictures: Waves batter esplanade in Scotland
17:37
,
Alex Croft
Storm has had 'severe impact' on railways
17:12
,
Alex Croft
The storm has also had a “severe impact” on railways, with a number of services being pre-emptively cancelled and speed limits in place on all routes.
Edinburgh to Fife/Perth/Dundee; Perth to Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness and the West Highland Line are among the routes that were closed at noon on Monday.
Network Rail has reported a number of storm-related incidents, including trees falling onto overhead lines at King’s Park in Glasgow, Cornton near Stirling and near Paisley, and damage to overhead wires in the Hamilton Circle area.
LNER has warned passengers not to travel north of Newcastle while Avanti West Coast has advised passengers not to travel north of Preston, as it warned it will be “heavily impacted” by the weather.
Top wind gusts recorded in Kinloss and South Uist
17:01
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Today’s top wind gust speeds have been recorded in Kinloss and South Uist, according to the Met Office.
Meteorologists have said winds reached 79mph in both areas, with the Tain Range experiencing gusts of 78mph.
Here are the top wind gusts we have recorded so far today in association with Storm Floris
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 4, 2025
Northern Ireland has equaled it's August record of 66mph at Orlock Head pic.twitter.com/gjcBQ7rq19
Cows on the loose in Carfin
16:51
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
A number of cows are on the loose in Carfin, South Lanarkshire this afternoon after a fence blew down in the wind.
Heavy rain and strong wind will remain into evening in Scotland
16:29
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Stormy weather will continue into the evening in Scotland, the Met Office has warned.
Elsewhere, showers will begin to clear with sunshine forecast before the sun goes down.
Rain clearing southeast England this evening, with heavy rain and showers across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northwest England
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 4, 2025
Elsewhere dry with sunshine ahead of dusk
Very windy with warnings in place, stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/ZO9UQPB7C1
More than 22,000 homes without power in Scotland
16:19
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
More than 22,000 properties are without electricity in the Highlands and north-east of Scotland this afternoon.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said it is working to restore power to 22,500 properties while more are expected to be impacted later in the day as the storm continues to move east.
They added they have hundreds of extra staff working but it may not be able to reconnect everyone by the end of the day.
SSEN’s director of customer operations Andy Smith said: “Storm Floris is the strongest summer storm we’ve seen in a very long time and it’s causing significant disruption to power supplies today.
“At the height of summer, we’ve mounted an operation that’s comparable in size to the ones we mobilise when a storm hits during the depths of winter, but the sustained nature of these damaging winds means some affected customers may be without power overnight.”
He added: “Remember – you can report faults to us by calling 105 at any time, or via the Power Track website or app.
“And please – if you come across any network damage, stay well back and inform us immediately.”
EasyJet 900-mile 'flight to nowhere' as pilots abandon landing at Inverness
15:55
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Our travel correspondent Simon Calder has reported that a pilot was forced to abandon a landing in Scotland.
An easyJet flight from Luton to Inverness flew 900 miles on an “flight to nowhere”.
Flight 632 took off from the Bedfordshire airport just before 12 noon and flew normally at 36,000 feet to the Scottish airport. But at just 2,000 feet above the ground, the pilots of the Airbus A319 decided to abandon the landing, and flew back to Luton. After a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes in the air, the plane touched down back at its starting place.
Passengers were told: “Strong winds in Inverness are preventing aircraft from arriving and departing. The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority and we thank you for your understanding.”
Under air passengers’ rights rules, travellers must be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline.
The aviation data analyst, Cirium, has confirmed research by The Independent that Belfast City and Aberdeen are the airports worst affected by Storm Floris.
At Belfast City, 10 departures and 11 arrivals have been grounded. At Aberdeen, 12 departures have been cancelled – but only six arrivals are axed.
Students will see exam results delayed due to storm
15:48
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
There will be delays to the delivery of some exam results in island communities as a result of Storm Floris, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has said.
With results due on Tuesday, the SQA said deliveries to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland will be delayed due to the adverse weather.
The SQA said students should contact their school or college in the first instance who should be able to help them.
Travellers face 'nine cancellations'
15:26
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Passengers stuck at Glasgow Central train station are facing hours of disruption and as many as nine cancellations, they told the PA news agency.
Robert Kusz, 70, and Paul Audoire, 59, had enjoyed a caravan holiday with relatives when they were delayed at Glasgow Central.
Their previous plan was to travel to Preston and change to Blackpool.
Mr Kusz told the PA news agency: “There has been about nine cancellations.
“If we can get connecting trains we could get to Blackpool by 4.30pm.
“It will add a couple of hours to the journey, maybe two-and-a-half hours.”
Mr Audoire said: “The weather is not as bad as we thought, they are just taking precautions.
“We need to get off at Carlisle, wait for another train, get off at Preston and change trains again.
“I don’t know how long we need to wait at Carlisle or at Preston. It’s just a case of leapfrogging all the way.”
Gusts of 80mph recorded as storm progresses
15:15
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Wind gusts have now reached 80mph in South Uist, according to BBC News - slightly higher than the earlier recording of 79mph on the island.
Video shows plane struggling to land in high winds
15:05
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Video footage shows the moment a plane struggled to land at Leeds Bradford Airport during Storm Floris.
Rail misery continues
14:55
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Passengers travelling on trains across the north of England and Scotland are facing ongoing disruptions due to strong wind gusts.
Pictures show passengers at Manchester Piccadilly Station as National Rail continue to advise against travel north of Preston.
Edinburgh Zoo closes for the day
14:38
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Edinburgh Zoo has fully closed for the day due to “escalating wind speed,” the attraction said.
It comes after earlier today they announced they would be closing the top of the zoo to visitors.
⚠️ UPDATE⚠️: Due to escalating wind speed the zoo is now closing for the day.
— Edinburgh Zoo (@EdinburghZoo) August 4, 2025
An email will be going out to all pre-booked visitors, if you don't receive one please get in touch with info@rzss.org.uk for more information https://t.co/D9PLW5obdE
Fire reported on overhead lines near Glasgow
14:27
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
A fire has been reported on overhead lines at a train station in the south of Glasgow.
It comes as Storm Floris causes widespread travel disruption across the country.
We’re responding to reports of a fire on the overhead wires near Kings Park station in Glasgow’s south side. Our local team are arranging a response to check this out as quickly as we can.@ScotRail #StormFloris
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) August 4, 2025
Road closed in Aberdeenshire as multiple trees fall
14:15
,
Bryony Gooch
A road in Aberdeenshire has been closed in both directions after a number of trees fell on as a result of Storm Floris.
With high winds hitting Scotland, police advised drivers to avoid the A96 between Huntly and Inverurie.
Police Scotland said: “The A96 is closed in both directions near Old Rayne between Huntly and Inverurie due to several fallen trees.
“All road users are advised to avoid the area.
“We are advising the public to plan ahead and consider delaying travel until conditions improve.”
ANALYSIS: 40 flights now cancelled as airlines ground departures to and from Aberdeen, Inverness and Belfast City
14:02
,
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
Flight cancellations to and from Scotland and Northern Ireland are increasing, with The Independent now counting at least 40 departures grounded as a result of Storm Floris.
At short notice, British Airways grounded its afternoon flights between London Heathrow and both Aberdeen and Inverness.
At even shorter notice, easyJet has axed its flights linking Inverness with Luton and Gatwick. The airline told passengers: “Strong winds in Inverness are preventing aircraft from arriving and departing. The safety of you and our crew is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.”
Eastern Airways has grounded flights linking Aberdeen with Teesside and Wick.
Meanwhile Scotland’s airline, Loganair, has increased its cancellations. As well as two round-trips between Dublin and Aberdeen, and the afternoon round-trip between Aberdeen and Kirkwall in Orkney, an Aberdeen-Shetland round-trip has been grounded.
The carrier is allowing passengers booked on Monday or Tuesday to re-book on an alternative flight up to a week from the original travel date without penalty.
At Belfast City airport, Aer Lingus Regional has grounded 20 flights so far: to and from destinations including Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Southampton.
Campervans have been blown over on A87 road on Isle of Skye
13:53
,
Bryony Gooch
A number of campervans have been blown over on the A87 road, which leads to Portree on the Isle of Skye, as Storm Floris hit Scotland.
Police are advising drivers to stay away from the Bealach na Ba road in Wester Ross due to the high rinds.
Police Scotland said: “We have received multiple reports of campervans being blown over on the A87 between Broadford and Portree due to high winds caused by Storm Floris.
“We are advising motorists not to travel on the Bealach na Ba road and anyone with campervans should remain parked in sheltered areas until the wind speed reduces.”
In pictures: Edinburgh hit by strong winds as Storm Floris continues
13:44
,
Bryony Gooch
Travel affected by tree on the train lines near Stirling
13:41
,
Bryony Gooch
Network Rail Scotland shared photos of large tree branches caught in the lines above train tracks at Cornton, near Stirling.
Storm Floris continues to cause chaos on rail routes in Scotland.
Here's a photograph of the damaged tree we were dealing with at Cornton, near Stirling.@ScotRail #StormFloris pic.twitter.com/JMhW6IZDE6
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) August 4, 2025
'Secure your garden equipment' says ScotRail
13:24
,
Bryony Gooch
ScotRail has asked anyone with garden equipment such as trampolines to keep them secure, as Storm Floris begins to hit Scotland.
Posting on social media, the rail operator said: “We’re asking anyone with garden equipment, such as tents, trampolines or furniture, to secure items so that they don’t blow onto the tracks and interfere with lineside equipment.”
️ PLEASE tie down trampolines and garden furniture if you live near the railway.
— Network Rail (@networkrail) August 4, 2025
Weather like #StormFloris can blow big items onto lines and cause even more disruption to train services. Just imagine this flying at a train.
Check your journeys:
➡️ https://t.co/I195vBCUIf pic.twitter.com/3ROkFDT9mj
Travel chaos as Storm Floris moves east
13:17
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Storm Floris is continuing to wreak havoc on rail routes as it moves east across Scotland.
Network Rail Scotland has said it is now dealing with disruption on central belt routes, posting maps appearing to show gusts of more than 90mph. The Met Office said the highest wind speeds confirmed so far are 79mph.
#StormFloris continues moving west to east across Scotland. Here is how the winds are looking out there in the last hour.
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) August 4, 2025
We continue to deal with disruption on central belt routes. Services are now winding down north of Dunblane and on the West Highland Line.@transcotland pic.twitter.com/UToxR0c2Ri
Approximately 10,000 homes in Ireland without power
12:49
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Around 10,000 homes in Ireland are without power due to Storm Floris.
A spokesperson for ESB Networks said: “Yellow level winds associated with Storm Floris have led to a number of power outages across the country this morning, predominantly in the North West region.
“The impact on the electricity network has been modest and in line with previous such wind warnings.
“As of 10.30am, approximately 10,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power.
“ESB Networks crews are mobilised in impacted areas and responding to power outages where safe to do so.
“Real-time information on power outages and restoration times is available on www.PowerCheck.ie.
“We apologise to all homes, farms and businesses impacted for the inconvenience caused.”
Gusts of 79mph recorded
12:40
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Wind speeds of up to 79mph have been recorded as Storm Floris continues to batter the UK, according to the Met Office.
Forecasters said the gusts were seen on the Scottish island of South Uist.
In Tiree, speeds of 75mph have been registered, and Salsburgh has seen gusts of 66mph.
Storm Floris is bringing strong and gusty winds to northern parts of the UK, leading to some disruption
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 4, 2025
Here are the highest wind gusts we have recorded so far ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/H1hx2as95C
British Airways and Logainair cancel flights
12:36
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Flight operators have started to cancel flights to and from Scotland amid strong gusts from Storm Floris.
British Airways has grounded its afternoon flights between London Heathrow and both Aberdeen and Inverness. Meanwhile Scotland’s airline, Loganair, has cancelled two round-trips between Dublin and Aberdeen.
