Storm Floris power cuts have left nearly 4,000 homes in the north of Scotland without electricity, days after the violent weather system brought widespread damage and disruption across the region.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) confirmed that power has been restored to over 68,000 homes since the storm hit on Monday, but 3,900 properties remain cut off in areas including the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire.
The company described Storm Floris as “the most damaging summer storm in recent memory,” with more than 70,000 properties affected at its peak. SSEN has deployed welfare teams and food vans to assist those in the hardest-hit communities.
Rail and Road Disruptions Continue
Storm Floris also wreaked havoc on Scotland’s railways, with Network Rail reporting 119 incidents, including fallen trees and damage to overhead lines. The Aberdeen–Inverness line was one of the most severely affected, with crews working through the night to clear debris. Officials hope to reopen the line by 14:00.
In other parts of the country, trees were reported down on lines near Glasgow, Stirling, and Paisley. Empty trains have been repurposed to transport crews to remote areas to speed up recovery efforts.
Boil Water Warning Issued for Private Water Supplies
Due to ongoing Storm Floris power cuts, Highland Council has issued a warning to residents on private water systems, advising them to boil water before drinking. Power loss may have affected water treatment capabilities in rural areas.
The Scottish government convened an emergency meeting on Monday evening to address the impact of the storm. Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged the “significant” number of properties affected and warned that recovery will take time.
Storm Floris Compensation and Support for Affected Households
SSEN announced that households without power can claim Storm Floris compensation through an online portal. Customers are eligible for £30 per person, per day to cover food and drink expenses.
Additionally, under Ofgem guidelines, those who remain without electricity for more than 48 hours will receive £85, with a further £40 for every additional six hours of outage. These payments will be automatically credited to customer energy bills.
More Wet and Windy Weather Expected
The Met Office has forecast more unseasonably wet and windy weather for northwestern parts of the UK starting Thursday, raising concerns about potential further disruption in areas still recovering from Storm Floris.
