Everything you need to know as Storm Floris set to hit country TODAY

Renfrewshire has been placed under an amber weather warning as the storm is expected to bring severe and unseasonably strong winds to the city as well as heavy rain.

Wind gusts are expected to range between 50 and 70 mph, with even stronger winds reaching up to 80 or 90 mph in exposed coastal and highland areas.

(Image: Image from PA) The Met Office issued the stark warning, highlighting the potential for injuries and threats to life caused by large waves and debris being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads, and nearby properties.

The warning is in place from 10am to 10pm on Monday, August 4.

Following the warning, officials are urging residents to take precautions and prioritise safety. People are advised to remain indoors where possible and to be especially cautious when outside, avoiding areas near buildings or trees.

Households are being encouraged to secure any loose outdoor items, such as garden furniture, bins, trampolines, tents, and fences, to prevent them from becoming airborne.

(Image: Image: Archive) The Met Office is also reminding the public to exercise caution near cliffs and to keep dogs on leads to prevent accidents.

Power cuts are also anticipated, which could disrupt services including mobile phone coverage. People are being advised to prepare by gathering essential items such as torches, spare batteries, and portable phone chargers.

(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) (Image: Image: Archive) There is the possibility of damage to trees and buildings, particularly roofs, and there will be severe disruption to travel across road, rail, air, and ferry networks.

Network Rail announced on Sunday that services will be suspended from midday on Monday. 

Extra response teams, including chainsaw-trained staff, will be on standby throughout the storm to respond quickly to any obstructions on the railway.

Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “With the severity of Storm Floris becoming clear, our priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues.

"That is why we’ve taken the decision to close some parts of Scotland’s Railway early on Monday as the worst of the conditions hit the country.

“Our engineers will also need to thoroughly inspect the network for any damage before we reopen the lines and restart train services on Tuesday morning.

“Weather specialists, based in our control room, will monitor conditions closely throughout the storm, and our teams on the ground will be ready to deal with any issues caused by the weather as quickly as possible.

"We appreciate passengers’ patience while we get through this unprecedented summer storm.”

Train services north of Perth, including routes to Fife, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness, will be suspended, along with West Highland Line services, and those between Helensburgh Upper, Oban, Fort William, and Mallaig.

From 9am on Monday, trains running on unaffected routes will operate at reduced speeds, with a maximum speed of 50mph, which will result in extended journey times.

Other impacted services include:

• Edinburgh to Fife, Perth, and Dundee
• Perth to Aberdeen and Inverness
• Dunblane to Perth
• Inverness to Wick, Thurso, and Kyle of Lochalsh
• All West Highland routes

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “The Met Office amber weather warnings for very high winds across the country will impact rail services on Monday.

“We recognise the impact that the withdrawal and alteration of train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of staff and passengers – and this is a necessary step to ensure everyone’s safety."

Train services are expected to resume later than usual on Tuesday, August 5, once safety inspections are complete and conditions allow.

Passengers are advised to monitor National Rail Enquiries, ScotRail’s official channels, and the Met Office for real-time travel updates and weather alerts.

(Image: Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, Avanti West Coast said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh.

Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added.

Scottish ferry operator CalMac has also issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm.

Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes.

Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: “If you’re planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it’s worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected.

“Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts.

“Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.”

Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January’s Storm Eowyn was the most recent.