In the UK, “storms” typically refer to powerful low-pressure weather systems that bring very strong winds, heavy rain, coastal gales or flooding. In recent years the country has seen large variation in storm frequency — the 2023/24 season recorded a record 12 named storms, while 2024/25 was quieter but still delivered major events such as Storm Éowyn (January 2025) and Storm Floris (August 2025). Even when fewer storms occur, individual ones can be highly destructive. Rising concerns over climate change and shifting weather patterns have increased interest in how storms form, how to prepare for them, and how to respond safely. In this article we define what UK storms are, examine recent trends, explore their impacts in real-life examples, offer practical advice to stay safe, and answer frequently asked questions.
What is a “UK storm”?
Definition and meteorological background
A “storm” in the UK context generally refers to an intense extratropical cyclone or deep low-pressure system that brings strong winds, heavy rain, and often coastal gales, snow or sleet depending on timing. These storms are driven by a combination of the Atlantic Ocean, the polar jet stream, and temperature contrasts between ocean and land. The low-pressure front often deepens rapidly — a process known as “explosive cyclogenesis” — which intensifies wind speeds and rainfall.
Because the UK lies on the North Atlantic storm track, it is prone to such systems throughout the year, but especially during the autumn and winter months when atmospheric conditions favour their formation.
Storms are frequently named by forecasters when they are forecast to bring “medium to high risk” impacts — not only based on wind speed, but also rainfall, snow or ice potential, flooding, and threats to life or infrastructure.
Why storms are named
Since 2015 the UK (along with Irish and Dutch meteorological agencies) has adopted a storm-naming system to improve public communication. A named storm tends to get more attention, making it easier for media, emergency services, and individuals to follow advice and prepare. Naming helps distinguish one event from another and helps raise public awareness of risk.
Recent trends in UK storms (as of 2025)
Storm frequency and seasonality
On average, the UK experiences between 10 to 20 storms every year — though only a subset receive formal names.
Storm seasons run from 1 September to the following August, aligning roughly with the period of greatest storm risk. In the 2023/24 season, the UK recorded 12 named storms — the highest number since the naming scheme began in 2015.
By contrast, the 2024/25 season was quieter in terms of number, with six named storms between October 2024 and August 2025.
However, lower frequency does not necessarily mean lower risk — some storms have been exceptionally powerful.
Notable recent storms and their impact
Storm Éowyn, January 2025
Storm Éowyn struck on 24 January 2025 and has been described as the UK’s most powerful windstorm in more than a decade.
Winds reached gusts well over 80 knots (≈ 92 mph), with a high of 100 mph (87 knots) recorded at Drumalbin in Lanarkshire.
A red warning was issued for wind — meaning danger to life — covering parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and widespread disruption followed: schools closed, major transport services halted, flights cancelled, power outages, and damage to trees, infrastructure and property.
The storm also set the lowest sea-level pressure reading recorded since the naming began — 941.9 hPa on Tiree, Inner Hebrides.
Storm Floris, August 2025
Storm Floris made landfall in early August 2025 — unusual because summer storms of this intensity are rare.
In northern Scotland, gusts peaked at 82 mph, matching August wind-speed records, making Floris one of the most severe summer wind-events in UK observational history.
The storm caused major disruption: rail services were closed, ferry crossings cancelled, bridges shut, flights cancelled, and more than 70,000 properties suffered power cuts.
Storm Darragh and Storm Bert (late 2024)
In early December 2024, Storm Darragh battered western parts of England and Wales. Wind gusts reached 69–81 mph, and heavy rainfall added flood risk.
Storm Darragh came just a fortnight after Storm Bert, illustrating how storms can cluster — leaving little time for recovery.
Power outages impacted millions and the storm resulted in fatalities.
What drives variation in storm seasons
The number and intensity of storms vary significantly from season to season. According to forecasters at the Met Office and other meteorological agencies, small changes in the jet stream, ocean temperature, and atmospheric pressure patterns can substantially change storm activity.
Because of this variability, a quiet season in terms of numbers might still deliver a few severe storms — as 2024/25 has shown.
Climate change complicates the picture: warmer seas, changes in atmospheric circulation, and increased humidity may make storms more unpredictable and intensify rainfall or wind speeds, even if the total number of events does not dramatically increase.
Why UK storms matter: real-life consequences
Storms in the UK are not just unpleasant weather — they can cause serious disruption, danger, and long-term impacts.
During major storms, people have faced power cuts, travel chaos, collapsed trees, damage to homes, flooding, and at worst loss of life. Storm Éowyn and Storm Darragh inflicted such damage and disruption.
Infrastructure such as rail lines, bridges, and airports have been shut down. Ferry services cancelled, flights grounded, roads blocked by fallen trees or flooding.
Homes have lost power — sometimes for days — and fallen trees have damaged property or vehicles.
Even the environment suffers: coastal erosion, damage to woodlands and gardens, and long-term risk of landslides or flooding in vulnerable zones.
For individuals, storms disrupt daily life — children can’t get to school, commuters can’t work, and older people or those with health conditions can find themselves isolated without power or transport.
These real-life effects make it vital for households, communities and authorities to prepare and respond effectively.
Practical advice: how to stay safe and prepared
Monitoring and early warnings
Pay attention to forecasts from the Met Office or local weather services, especially during autumn and winter. A named storm or official amber/red warning usually deserves serious attention.
If you live in a coastal, flood-prone, or exposed area (near hills, rivers, or woodland), check if you are in a flood-risk zone and plan evacuation or safety routes.
Have a basic emergency kit at home: torch, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, portable radio/charged phone, and essential medications.
If warnings are issued, avoid unnecessary travel. High winds and flooding make roads dangerous.
Take precautions around trees and structures — strong gusts can bring down branches or rooftop tiles. Secure garden furniture, bins, or anything that can become airborne.
Preparing your home and property
Inspect trees on your property — remove dead or unstable branches before storm season.
Ensure gutters and drains are clear to prevent water build-up.
If your home is in a flood-prone area, consider sandbags or flood defences.
Keep important documents, insurance information and valuables away from the ground floor in flood-prone zones.
Have flashlights, candles (if used safely), and battery-powered devices ready in case of power outages.
Travel and transport advice
If wind or rain warnings are in place, check with transport operators before travelling: rail, ferry, flights, road networks may be disrupted.
Avoid traveling in affected areas during the peak of a storm. Be cautious near coasts, rivers, bridges, and exposed roads.
If you must travel, drive slowly, keep a safe distance from large vehicles, and watch for fallen debris or flooded patches.
Public transport users should stay updated on cancellations and delays, and plan accordingly.
For community and local authorities
Local authorities should keep drainage systems maintained to handle high rainfall.
Trees near roads or power lines should be assessed regularly, and high-risk ones removed before storm season.
Public awareness campaigns work — the naming system helps, but individuals still need to act. Encourage households to have storm-ready kits and check their flood risk zones.
Emergency services should coordinate with power companies, transport networks, and disaster-relief agencies to respond swiftly to outages, fallen trees, flooding or blocked roads.
Broader context: climate change and future risks
While no single storm can be definitively linked to climate change, many scientists agree that warming seas and shifting atmospheric patterns can affect storm behaviour. Higher sea temperatures and greater humidity may fuel stronger rainfall, while changing wind patterns may influence how often storms reach the UK or their intensity.
This makes resilience more important than ever. As infrastructure ages, coastal defences erode, and human development increases in vulnerable zones, a strong, coordinated approach is needed to anticipate and manage storm risk.
Experts caution that even if the total number of storms does not increase dramatically, the chance of extreme events remains — and those can cause disproportionately large harm.
FAQs
What counts as a “named storm” in the UK?
A “named storm” is one that forecasters expect to bring sufficient wind, rain, snow or flooding to cause medium-to-high impact to public safety, infrastructure or transport. The naming system is managed by agencies including the Met Office, Met Éireann (Ireland) and KNMI (Netherlands).
How many storms does the UK typically face each year?
On average, the UK sees between 10 and 20 storm events annually — though only a portion receive names. Seasonal activity can vary widely.
Are storms getting worse due to climate change?
While many factors contribute to storm formation (jet stream position, ocean temperature, atmospheric pressure), a warming climate may increase the intensity of some storms — especially those bringing heavy rain and coastal surges. Scientists suggest higher humidity and warmer seas can fuel more extreme rainfall and wind.
Can storms occur in summer as well as winter?
Yes — although autumn and winter are the peak seasons for UK storms, summer storms do occur. For example, Storm Floris struck in August 2025 with wind gusts over 80 mph, showing that significant storms can hit outside the traditional season.
What should individuals do to minimise risks before and during a storm?
Before a storm: check whether you live in a flood-risk or exposed area, clear gutters and drains, secure loose items, trim unstable trees. Have an emergency kit ready.
During a storm: heed official warnings, avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors if possible, keep away from windows, and avoid coastal or flood-prone areas. After a storm: check for structural damage, avoid fallen power lines, and report hazards to local authorities.
To Conclude
UK storms are a regular, unpredictable feature of British life — sometimes mildly inconvenient, sometimes devastating. The variation in frequency and intensity from one season to the next shows there is no simple pattern. Recent years have demonstrated that even a relatively calm season in terms of storm count can still produce powerful, dangerous storms like Storm Éowyn or Storm Floris. With climate change adding uncertainty and potentially increasing extreme weather events, preparedness — both at personal and community level — is crucial. By paying attention to warnings, organising emergency plans, and maintaining infrastructure and homes, individuals and communities can reduce risk significantly. Storms are part of the UK’s natural climate rhythm, but with preparation and awareness, their impact need not define the fate of people and property.
For further reading, you may find these articles interesting:
Alan Hansen: https://londonbreak.co.uk/alan-hansen/
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2025: https://londoncity.news/hyde-park-winter-wonderland-2025/
Adam Henson: https://birminghamjournal.co.uk/adam-henson/
To read more; Londonbreak
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