Storms

Strong winds are common in the UK, but severe storms can bring damaging gale force winds. These can lead to flooding, damage to buildings, trees and power cables, and cause bridge or road closures.

How storms could affect you

Storms and gales may result in:

  • flying debris
  • uprooted or damaged trees
  • disrupted power supplies
  • disrupted transport services
  • schools, businesses, and other services closing or pausing operations

Before a storm

  • Check weather forecasts on trusted news and weather channels
  • Know who your power, water, and phone providers are, and how to contact them if there is an outage
  • Contact your suppliers to see if you are eligible for the Priority Services Register
  • Make sure you have food, fuel, batteries, and medication
  • Check your insurance covers storm damage, and keep a list of essential contacts handy
  • Secure doors, windows, and loose objects outside, such as garden furniture, bins, plant pots, or trampolines
  • Park vehicles in a garage if possible, or move them away from trees, walls, and fences

During a storm

  • Limit travel as much as possible. If you must travel, allow extra time, check with travel operators, and follow ‘Do Not Travel’ notices.
  • Check on people who may need extra help, such as elderly relatives and neighbours
  • Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. If you must go outside, avoid walking close to buildings, fences, sea fronts, beaches, or cliffs.

After a storm

  • Do not touch any electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
  • Avoid walking close to walls, buildings, or trees, as they may have been weakened
  • Make sure vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them arrange repairs if needed
  • Take photos and report any storm damage to your landlord or utility providers. Always use qualified professionals for repairs or inspections.
  • Restock any emergency supplies you used

Stay prepared and informed

See how you can build personal resilience before an emergency, including creating a grab bag and knowing who to contact, on our preparing yourself and others for an emergency page.

Remember, if you need urgent support, help is always available. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent situations.

For trusted updates and local information during an emergency, visit our staying informed in an emergency page.

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