Scotland is bracing itself for the full force of Storm Floris, with an amber warning in place from 12pm on Friday to 10am on Saturday. The Met Office has sounded the alarm for strong winds of up to 80mph, which are expected to batter the entire country.
Residents are being urged to take immediate action to secure outdoor furniture and loose items, as well as be aware of potential travel disruptions and power outages. The western and northern regions of Scotland will bear the brunt of the storm, with gusts reaching up to 80mph in some areas.
In the central belt, winds of up to 50mph are predicted, while the western Highlands and Islands can expect even stronger gusts of up to 90mph. The Met Office has also warned of potential disruptions to transportation, including flights and trains, as well as power outages and damage to buildings and structures.
Residents across the UK are being advised to check the latest forecast and weather updates before making any travel plans. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will not escape the storm's wrath, but the warning is not as severe as that in place for Scotland. Temperatures are expected to drop to around 10°C on Friday and Saturday.
The Met Office has outlined the regions most at risk:
- Scotland: up to 80mph
- Western Highlands and Islands: up to 90mph
- Northern Ireland: up to 60mph
- England: up to 50mph
- Wales: up to 40mph