UK issues ‘danger to life’ warning as Storm Floris batters Scotland
Storm hits at the busiest time of year for tourism with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to Edinburgh
Authorities in Scotland cancelled trains, closed parks and warned people to tie down garden furniture and trampolines as an unusually strong summer storm toppled trees, felled power lines and disrupted travel across northern Britain.
The UK’s Meteorological Office on Monday issued an “amber” wind warning in Scotland for Storm Floris, meaning there is potential risk to lives and property, especially from large waves in coastal areas.
Network Rail Scotland said wind gusts of up to 145km/h (90mph) had brought down trees across lines and damaged overhead wires.
More than 22,000 properties were without electricity, operator Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said.
After reports of mobile homes being blown over on the Isle of Skye off Scotland’s northwest coast, police Scotland said that “anyone with campervans should remain parked in sheltered areas until the wind speed reduces”.