03 August 2025
As Storm Floris gears up to bring a spell of unseasonably strong winds to the northern half of the UK early next week, The AA is advising drivers to stay weather-aware and plan ahead -particularly in Scotland, where the most severe conditions are expected.
AA Tips for Driving in a Storm
According to the latest Met Office guidance, the strongest winds are expected to hit Scotland on Monday afternoon and into the night, with gusts of 40–50 mph likely across many inland areas. Along exposed coastlines and high ground, wind speeds could reach 60–70 mph, with a chance of even stronger gusts - up to 85 mph - developing for a time in some parts of Scotland.
While the exact track and intensity of Storm Floris remain uncertain, The AA is advising drivers to keep an eye on the forecast and plan journeys accordingly.
Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but are expected to remain very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.
If you’re planning on heading out, especially through exposed areas, it’s worth checking the forecast and planning ahead.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, 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 steering 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.
“If you can postpone your journey until the worst of the conditions pass it might be advisable to do so.”
What to Expect:
- Strong gusts: Particularly across Scotland, northern England, and high ground.
- Heavy rain: May lead to surface water and localised flooding in some areas.
- Disruption: Possible delays to road, rail, and ferry services, especially in exposed regions.
- Hold the steering wheel firmly: Sudden gusts can catch you off guard, especially on open roads or when overtaking high-sided vehicles.
- Watch your speed: Slowing down gives you more control and time to react to hazards like fallen branches or debris.
- Be extra cautious around cyclists and motorcyclists: They’re more vulnerable to crosswinds.
- Avoid towing in high winds: Caravans and trailers are particularly susceptible to being blown off course.
- Check your vehicle: Make sure tyres are properly inflated and your windscreen wipers are in good condition.
- Plan ahead: Use live traffic and weather updates to avoid the worst-affected areas.
Regions and local authorities affected:
Central, Tayside & Fife: Angus; Clackmannanshire; Dundee; Falkirk; Fife; Perth and Kinross; Stirling
Grampian: Aberdeen; Aberdeenshire; Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar: Na h-Eileanan Siar; Highland
North East England: Darlington; Durham; Gateshead; Hartlepool; Middlesbrough; Newcastle upon Tyne; North Tyneside; Northumberland; Redcar and Cleveland; South Tyneside; Stockton-on-Tees; Sunderland
North West England: Blackburn with Darwen; Blackpool; Cheshire West and Chester; Cumbria; Greater Manchester; Halton; Lancashire; Merseyside; Warrington
Northern Ireland: County Antrim; County Armagh; County Down; County Fermanagh; County Londonderry; County Tyrone
Orkney & Shetland: Orkney Islands; Shetland Islands
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders: Dumfries and Galloway; 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 Ayrshire; South Lanarkshire; West Dunbartonshire
Wales: Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire; Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey
Yorkshire & Humber: East Riding of Yorkshire; North Yorkshire; West Yorkshire; York