Storm Floris: Safety advice issued as rain and damaging strong expected

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued safety advice following a weather warning for parts of the UK.

The UK Met Office says Storm Floris will bring "unseasonably strong winds" to the UK from Monday into early Tuesday, along with "heavy rain".

A yellow warning has been issued as Storm Floris is set to bring unusually strong and disruptive winds of 60–85 mph, with expected disruption to power supplies, events and travel expected.

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “We understand how tempting it can be to stick with summer plans — whether it’s a coastal walk, a camping trip, or a garden gathering — but Storm Floris presents real risks.

"With strong winds and heavy rain forecast, we’re urging everyone to take the yellow warning seriously. Simple steps like securing outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel, and checking on vulnerable neighbours can make a big difference in staying safe.” 

Here are some important safety tips to help you stay safe: 

• Secure loose objects: Ensure that any loose items outside your home, such as garden furniture, are secured or brought indoors to prevent them from being blown away. 
• Avoid travel: If possible, avoid traveling during the peak of the storm. If you must travel, check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off. 
• Stay indoors: Stay inside during the storm, especially during the yellow warning period from 06:00 Monday to 06:00 Tuesday. 
• Prepare for power cuts: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials such as torches, batteries, and non-perishable food in case of power outages. 
• Stay away from windows: Keep away from windows and glass doors to avoid injury from flying debris. 
  Charge your devices: Ensure your mobile phone and other essential devices are fully charged. 
  Check on vulnerable neighbours: If it is safe to do so, ensure that they are secure and have everything they need.

For more detailed advice on staying safe during strong winds, you can visit the Met Office's stay safe in storms page and the RoSPA website.