Storm Floris Sweeps the UK with Winds Over 120 mph and Major Power Outages

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Storm Floris has battered the United Kingdom with exceptionally strong winds, causing significant disruption to travel and infrastructure. Gusts reaching up to 122 mph have been recorded in the Scottish Highlands, leaving over 22,000 homes without power in Scotland, while approximately 10,000 premises in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have also lost electricity. Airlines, rail operators, and public events have been severely affected.

Met Office warnings amber for central and northern Scotland and yellow covering parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, and north Wales remain in force as authorities urge people to avoid non-essential travel. In Scotland, gusts peaked at 134 mph at Cairn Gorm summit, with widespread infrastructure damage including fallen trees, closed roads, and suspended rail services. Overhead wires and essential lines have been brought down, and SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) is responding to more than 22,500 affected properties across the Highlands and northeast Scotland. Some areas may not regain power by the end of the day, according to emergency crews. 

Northern Ireland and western counties in the Republic have faced wide-scale outages too, with around 10,000 homes and businesses affected, particularly in Donegal and Roscommon. ESB Networks reported that power cuts have occurred on farms and in rural communities, with crews mobilised to restore electricity as conditions permit.

Transport services were hit across several regions. In Scotland, ScotRail imposed 50 mph speed limits and shut down key routes after fallen trees and debris blocked lines. Ferry crossings and numerous flights, particularly at Belfast City and Aberdeen airports, were cancelled. Icelandic-based Cirium confirmed at least 68 UK flights were grounded, with cancellations also reported in Northern Ireland. Road users reported overturned campervans in Aberdeenshire and on the Isle of Skye.

A passenger jet filmed at Leeds Bradford Airport dramatically attempting to land in high gusts offers a stark visual of the storm’s force. 

Public venues have also closed due to safety concerns. Events cancelled include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Zoo, and various outdoor attractions. Schools and exam centers in island communities warned of delays in exam results delivery. 

The Met Office described Floris as the strongest summer storm in the UK since named storms began in 2015, stressing the unusual nature of such extreme weather at this time of year. Officials likened travel environments to winter conditions and advised residents to secure outdoor items, seek shelter, and maintain essential supplies in light of forecast risk. 

Storm Floris marks the sixth named storm of the 2024–25 season, following Storm Éowyn in January. Authorities confirmed they are treating the day’s events as a major incident, with coordination between Network Rail, SSEN, Transport Scotland, and emergency services ongoing.