Storms & weather
Live Met Office warnings and how to get ready for wind, snow, ice and heat.
Is there a weather warning where you live?
Warnings in force
What the warning colours mean
| Warning | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Some disruption is possible. Most people carry on as normal. | Check the forecast and your plans. Charge phones. |
| Amber | A real chance of disruption: travel delays, power cuts, possible risk to life. | Be ready to change plans. Get the kit out, secure the garden, fill flasks. |
| Red | Dangerous weather is expected. Rare. | Take action now. Avoid travel and follow the emergency services. |
Get ready, by type of weather
Strong wind
- Tie down trampolines, bins and garden furniture
- Charge phones and power banks; find torches
- Expect power cuts: power cut checklist
Snow and ice
- Winter kit in the car before you set off
- Lag outside pipes; know where your stop tap is
- Check on older neighbours
Cold snaps
- Keep one room warm, at least 18°C if you can
- Keep the heating ticking over if you go away
- Pipes in lofts and garages freeze first
Heavy rain
- Check flood warnings for rivers and coasts
- Clear drains and gutters near the house
- Never drive through flood water
Guides
All guides →Storm names 2026/27
This season’s UK storm names, the storms so far and what each warning colour means.
GuideWinter car kit checklist
What to keep in the car from November to March, and what’s worth buying.
GuideFrozen pipes: prevent them, and what to do
Lagging, the stop tap, thawing safely and what to do if a pipe bursts.
GuideStorm-proof your garden
Trampolines, sheds, fences and bins: a 20-minute check before the wind arrives.
Storms often mean power cuts
Power cuts hub →Live power cut checker
Is there a power cut near you? Live faults and restoration times by postcode.
GuideHow to keep warm in a power cut
One warm room, layers, hot drinks, and what never to use indoors.
ChecklistThe 72-hour plan explained
The Government’s emergency kit checklist, tick it off as you go.
Frequently asked questions
What do yellow, amber and red weather warnings mean?
Yellow means some impact is possible, so check your plans. Amber means a higher chance of disruption, such as travel delays, power cuts and possible risk to life, so be prepared to change plans. Red means dangerous weather is expected: take action now to keep yourself and others safe, and follow advice from the emergency services.
Where do these warnings come from?
From the Met Office’s official weather warnings feed. We check it every few minutes. Always follow the Met Office and local emergency services, especially for red warnings.
Does this include flood warnings?
No. Met Office warnings cover rain, but flood warnings come from the Environment Agency (England), SEPA (Scotland) and Natural Resources Wales. Check those for rivers and coasts.
What should I do when there’s an amber or red wind warning?
Tie down or bring in garden furniture, trampolines and bins, charge phones and power banks, fill flasks, find your torches, and avoid travel if you can. Power cuts are common in strong winds, so check our power cut checklist.