To find out how to prepare in the event of severe weather events, the websites below provide useful advice and guidance.
Be weather ready
The Met Office 'Weather Ready' campaign provides seasonal tips and advice on how to deal with the weather, focusing on key areas such as Travel and Your Home. Look out for the severe weather alerts they issue.
Severe weather warnings
Stay informed about the weather. Severe weather warnings are provided by the Met Office. Sign up for Met Office Email Alerts and download the Met Office weather app. Information on the health effects of severe weather such as severe heat/heatwaves or cold weather is available on the Health Emergencies page.
Flood warnings
Sign up for flood warnings, view flood warnings in force and get guidance on what to do before, during and after a flood on the GOV.UK Flood Information Service site.
Briefings on the current groundwater situation for areas where the groundwater levels are available from the Environment Agency.
Power cuts
To report any power cuts and damaged overhead cables or lines please use the freephone number 105. Updates can be found on twitter @ukpowernetworks. Please treat electricity cables as live, stay away and call UK Power Networks immediately. If you see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public please call 999.
If you will need extra support during a power cut, visit the UK Power Networks website for information on their Priority Services Register.
To search, track, and report power cuts visit the UK Power Networks website.
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations including providing support in an emergency. Energy suppliers and network operators offer it. Each keeps their own register. For more information visit:
Severe storms and flooding
Severe storms can produce high winds, torrential rain, hailstones, lightning and flash floods. They can cause structural damage, flooding to properties and power cuts. Guidance is available from the Met Office:
Flooding due to drainage systems being unable to cope with heavy rain is also known as 'localised' or 'surface water flooding'. Flooding can also come from rivers.
Groundwater flooding can occur when the water table rises and reaches the surface. Flooding from groundwater may occur days or weeks after heavy or prolonged rainfall. Homeowners and businesses are responsible for protecting their properties.