ALERT: Storm Floris named by forecasters as Bank Holiday Monday disruption looms

Forecasters in the UK have named the weather system which could bring storm-level weather conditions to Ireland this bank holiday weekend.

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

A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Northern Ireland on Monday and Tuesday and Met Éireann is expected to update its forecast for the Republic of Ireland later this Friday. 

Met UK office, Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, has warned of gusty winds, particularly around coastal areas across the UK. 

Lehnert explained: “Across the warning area, many inlands are likely to see gusts of 40 to 50 mph, with 60 to 70 mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts.” 

He even advised that the areas most impacted by Storm Floris could see “record” gusts of up to 85 miles per hour. 

While Met Éireann has yet to issue any official warnings, meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell, says Ireland can expect to see effects of this stormy weather from Sunday night and into all day Monday. 

READ NEXT: Top Netflix show filmed in Ireland has star-studded premiere in London

Speaking on the Met Eireann podcast, Cantwell explained: “A low pressure system approaching the Northwest bringing with it some wet and windy conditions.” 

She continued: “Current indications suggest that we’ll see a wet and windy start with strong and gusty westerly winds and widespread rain, heaviest over parts of the northwest and clearing away eastwards through the morning and afternoon.” 

Speaking earlier this week, Met Éireann meteorologist, Linda Hughes, says the presence of temporary structures such as tents, marquees and bouncy castles could create a difficulty stormy weather. 

“There’s lots of temporary structures up for festivals and other outdoor events and greater numbers of people travelling on Bank Holiday Monday. So, it’s something to keep in mind if making plans," she said there is a greater change of significant damage being caused compared to a storm during the winter months.    

There is still a bit of uncertainty in the forecast as if Storm Floris continues to track northwards, the south and the southwest could see relatively bright and dry weather this Bank Holiday weekend. 

Given the uncertainty Ms Hughes advised people keep informed. “Stay up to date with Met Éireann as the forecast" she said.