Be prepared

What to do when the weather gets seriousUK-specific advice

Plain-English guidance for the public and chasers alike. Pick a hazard. Each entry covers what to do before, during, and after, with the UK numbers and authorities you might actually need.

Active emergency

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). For lost or distressed persons in the open, dial 999 and ask for Police, Coastguard (sea or cliff), or Mountain Rescue. For power outages, call 105. For gas, 0800 111 999.

Convective

Severe thunderstorms

Large hail, damaging wind, frequent lightning. Rare in the UK but it happens.

Convective

Tornadoes

The UK gets 30–50 a year, mostly EF0/EF1. Survivable if you act fast.

Wind

Named windstorms

The big UK threat. Structural damage at 70+ mph; serious risk above 90 mph.

Flood

Flash flooding

Convective rainfall + saturated ground. Minutes-to-hours response time.

Flood

River flooding

Slower-onset than flash, but covers wider areas and lasts longer.

Coastal

Storm surge & coastal flooding

Low-pressure storms + spring tides + onshore wind. The 1953 east-coast vector.

Snow & ice

Heavy snow & ice

Driving the biggest cause of harm; cold-weather plan triggers for the vulnerable.

Heat

Heatwaves

UK climate has shifted; 40°C is achievable. Heat-Health Alert system in place.

Fog

Dense fog

Persistent UK winter hazard. Driving and aviation are the prime risks.

This page is general guidance. For your specific situation, follow official advice from the Met Office, the Environment Agency / SEPA / Natural Resources Wales / NI Rivers Agency, your local council, and emergency services.