Strong winds disrupted train services and knocked down trees in Scotland and northern England, where residents were advised not to travel as the UK was hit by an "unusually" strong summer storm.

Meteorologists warned that wind gusts could reach a record 145 kilometers per hour as Storm Floris made landfall overnight.

The second-highest yellow wind warning was in effect across large parts of Scotland as authorities tried to minimize damage, AFP reported.

"Storm Floris is unusually strong for this time of year," said the UK Meteorological Office.

The Met Office said this was only the third time a yellow wind warning had been issued in August since the system was introduced in 2011. It added that some gusts in Scotland were "likely" to reach record levels.

Scientists say that human-induced climate change is leading to more intense and frequent extreme weather events around the world as the planet continues to warm.

Several rail operators in northern England and Scotland suspended train services and warned passengers not to travel.

A tree was removed after it fell on overhead railway cables in Glasgow, causing a fire, according to Network Rail Scotland. Several trees were also felled in the northeast of Scotland, in the Aberdeenshire region, blocking roads.

In Scotland's capital, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo parade was canceled, and Edinburgh Zoo announced it would be closed for the day.

Storm Floris is the second named storm to hit the UK this year and the sixth of this storm season, which will last from the beginning of September 2024 to the end of August 2025. | BGNES