The Met Office names a storm when it has the potential to cause disruption or damage which could result in an amber or red warning. Be Ready advises paying extra attention to advice and warnings when a storm is named. It is your cue to spend half an hour getting ready.
When a warning is issued
- Check the Met Office warnings and how long the warning lasts. See what yellow, amber and red mean on our UK warnings page.
- Secure loose objects such as ladders, trampolines, garden furniture, toys and anything else that could be blown around (Be Ready).
- Close and securely fasten doors and windows. Park in a garage if you have one, otherwise clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences (Be Ready).
- Charge phones and power banks, find your torches and radio, and fill the kettle and a few bottles in case the power goes. Our power cut kit guide has more.
- Check on people in your community who might need extra help (Be Ready).
While the storm passes
- Try not to go outside unless you have to, and keep away from buildings, fences, walls and trees if you do. Do not go out to repair damage while the storm is in progress (Be Ready).
- Avoid the coast in strong winds. Be Ready warns that strong winds can cause large waves that flood the coast.
- Only drive if you must. Take care on exposed routes such as bridges and high open roads, slow down and be aware of side winds (Be Ready). The Highway Code also covers driving in windy weather.
- Never use a camping stove or barbecue indoors, or run a generator in an enclosed space. They give off carbon monoxide (NHS).
Fallen power lines and power cuts
- Keep as far away as possible from fallen or damaged power lines. Be Ready warns that electricity at high voltages can jump gaps with no warning. Call 105 to report it, or 999 if someone is in danger.
- Call 105 to report a power cut or get an update. Be Ready advises turning off items such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers, and unplugging TVs and computers in case of a surge when the power comes back.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors shut. The FSA says a full freezer should stay frozen for up to 48 hours, or about 24 hours if half full.
Afterwards
- Do not touch any electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging, and do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees, which may have been weakened (Be Ready).
- Look for damage to the roof, chimney and fences from the ground. Do not climb onto the roof yourself.
- Photograph any damage for your insurer before you tidy up.
- Report fallen trees on roads to your council, and anything blocking a railway to the rail operator.