What to do in severe weather

Keeping you safe

As the national meteorological service for the United Kingdom, the Met Office has a vital role in public safety.

We warn the community of severe or hazardous weather which has the potential to cause danger to life or widespread disruption of communications or transport through our National Severe Weather Warning Service. But what should you do when we issue a warning?

Make sure you know what to do when severe weather is forecast

The first and most vital thing to do is check local and national weather forecasts and keep up to date with the latest warnings.

The basic messages associated with each of the warning states are:

The following table provides examples of the level of disruption that might be experienced at each of the impact levels (high, medium, low) and for each weather element (rain, snow, etc.). It also provides some general advice to try and mitigate the impacts. Note that weather assessed as having a “Very Low” impact may still have some minor impacts.

	Very Low	Low	Medium	High
Impact and advice applying to ALL SEVERE WEATHER	The weather is not expected to have any noticeable impacts but there may be some minor issues e.g. when travelling some extra care may be needed on occasions and there may be some disruption to outdoor events.	BE AWARE and ensure you access the latest weather forecast for up to date weather information. Expect some minor delays due to slower traffic. Outdoor events may be disrupted or cancelled.	BE PREPARED. Take precautions where possible and ensure you access the latest weather forecast. BE PREPARED for some disruption to normal daily routines. Travel only if well prepared and BE PREPARED for longer journey times.	TAKE precautionary ACTION and remain extra vigilant. Follow orders and any advice given by authorities under all circumstances. Ensure you access the latest weather forecast. EXPECT significant disruption to normal daily routines. Avoid all non-essential journeys. If you must make a journey carry emergency food/ clothing/ blanket etc.
Impact and advice associated with RAIN	Some flooding of low lying fields, recreational land and car parks but little or no disruption to travel. Wet road surfaces and possibility of ponding water leading to difficult driving conditions. Take extra care when driving in affected areas.	Localised flooding of low lying fields, recreational land and car parks. Flooding of a small number of homes and businesses. Wet road surfaces and possibility of ponding water, especially in known trouble spots. Local disruption to travel — longer journey times. Water on roads — drive according to the conditions encountered.	Some flooding of homes, businesses and transport links possible. Disruption to travel likely. Disruption to gas, electricity, water supplies and telecoms. Some evacuations may be required. Be prepared to protect yourself and your property.	Widespread flooding of property. Severe disruption to travel. Loss of gas, electricity, water supplies. Significant disruption to communities. Evacuation expected. Significant risk to life. Take action to protect yourself and follow the advice of the emergency services.
Impact and advice associated with WIND	Debris dislodged and some branches removed. Perhaps some very limited travel disruption. Difficulties on some prone routes e.g. cross winds on exposed or high level roads.	Some branches or trees brought down. Localised travel disruption. Localised problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes. Drive with care, especially on exposed routes. BE AWARE of possible debris being blown around.	More widespread tree damage & other debris, slates etc dislodged from roofs. Some minor structural damage possible. Risk of injury from flying debris. BE PREPARED for some travel disruption e.g. closed bridges. Potential for some localised interruptions to power.	Widespread structural damage, e.g. roofs blown off, mobile homes overturned, power lines brought down. Risk to personal safety from flying debris. Potentially widespread and/or prolonged interruptions to power. Expect widespread transport disruption due to e.g. roads blocked by fallen trees.
Impact and advice associated with FOG	Some localised non-persistent fog affecting limited geographical areas. Take extra care when driving in affected areas. There may be some very limited impact on road transport.	More widespread, locally dense fog affecting significant areas of the country but not persisting beyond 1 - 2 days. Some airports may close for short periods. Take extra care when driving in affected areas. Journeys through affected areas may take longer than usual.	Widespread and dense fog affecting large areas of the country including a number of major airports and/or ports. The fog is persistent and may last for many days in some areas. BE PREPARED for some travel disruption. Take great care if driving and BE PREPARED for increased journey times. BE PREPARED for delays at affected airports and/or ferry ports	N/A
Impact and advice associated with SNOW	Small amounts of snow lying on roads and pavements so some slippery road surfaces possible. Traffic may move generally slower than normal. Take extra care when walking, cycling or driving in affected areas.	More widespread snow lying on roads and pavements but road networks generally open. Care needed with only localised travel disruption. Problems mostly confined to usual prone areas. Take extra care when walking, cycling or driving in affected areas. Journeys through affected areas may take longer than usual.	Widespread snow with a number of road closures, others passable only with care. BE PREPARED for some disruption to road, rail and air transport with difficult driving conditions likely and longer journey times.	Widespread deep snow with many roads closed or impassable. Roads likely to become impassable with high risk of drivers becoming stranded. Significant disruption to road, rail and air transport. Risk to personal safety. Expect significant disruption to normal day to day life as a result of transport issues, school closures etc. Avoid making unnecessary journeys.
Impact and advice associated with ICE	Localised icy stretches on some untreated roads and pavements are possible. Take extra care when walking, cycling or driving in affected areas.	More widespread icy stretches on untreated roads and pavements but road networks generally open. Take extra care when walking, cycling or driving in affected areas. Journeys through affected areas may take longer than usual.	Widespread black ice, some roads passable only with care. Possibility of road collisions and significant increase in slips & falls.	N/A

 

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