As the clocks go back this weekend, the Met Office warns Brits to be weather ready this winter and offers tips on how to best to be prepared for cold snaps and floods
Almost half of people in the UK have been caught out unexpectedly by severe weather over the past year, new Met Office research has found.
The biggest cause of disruption was revealed to be heavy rain stopping people getting to work on time or going out, with more than a third (36%) of those surveyed affected. Issues with public transport, slipping on ice, and power cuts have also impacted almost one in five people.
Last weekend, the Met Office issued Amber and Yellow weather warnings as Storm Ashley hit parts of the UK. Flights and trains were cancelled and thousands were left without power – a reminder of the disruption that can be caused by severe weather in the UK.
Days of intense and prolonged rainfall are likely to increase with global warming. Climate projections indicate that on average, winters will continue to become wetter and summers drier, though natural variability will mean we will continue to see individual years that don’t follow this trend. But rain that does fall in summer will likely be more intense than what we currently experience.
It comes as the Met Office launches its ‘WeatherReady’ winter campaign with the publication of survey results which make clear the potential impacts of winter weather.
Met Office head of situational awareness Will Lang, who leads responses in times of severe weather, said: “While it’s too early to give a forecast for the whole of the winter ahead, we want to help individuals, families and communities prepare for, and cope with, severe weather.”
He added: “Checking the latest forecast and knowing what the weather is likely to do is a key part of being prepared, but it’s also really important to know ‘how’ to take action if needed. For example, knowing how to shut off your electricity or gas supply quickly, having a first aid kit to hand, or preparing a list of useful contact numbers, could all help minimise impact and disruption.“
The Met Office also advises planning in the event of a power cut. It said: “We are so reliant on the internet, but if a storm meant power and mobile phone networks were affected, what would you do? Consider a separate battery charger, and you could store key information such as the power cut helpline number (105) on your phone.”
Other tips include putting together a grab bag containing bottled water, medicines, a torch, radio and batteries, copies of important documents and a change of clothes if severe weather, such as flooding has been predicted for your area, in case you need to leave quickly.
Before the cold weather sets in, Brits have also been urged to get boilers due a service looked at now and also being familiar with where your stop tap (also called stopcock or stop valve) is and to check it regularly to make sure it is working. This will enable you to turn off the water to your home quickly should there be a problem.
The Met Office warned that getting stuck in your car this winter can be dangerous so prepare by getting a winter car kit ready containing a portable phone charger, ice scraper, blanket, a torch, jump leads and a shovel.
It is also important to take a check of your tyres. The Met Office said: “It’s dangerous and illegal to drive in winter conditions with low levels of tread on your vehicle’s tyres. Use a screen wash additive to keep your windscreen free of winter road grime caused by road salting and gritting.”
Don’t forget to check up on the old and vulnerable in anticipation of severe weather. Just 18% of those surveyed said they had called in neighbours and relatives. Will Lang added: “Severe weather can impact us all, but it’s important to remember that some are more vulnerable than others, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.”
