What to do before, during and after a storm as unsettled weather returns to the UK
Forecasts of heavy rain, strong winds and possible thunderstorms come after a summer of heatwaves; officials and charities outline steps to protect people, homes and animals
Unsettled weather returning to the United Kingdom this week brings a risk of heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, prompting government agencies and charities to repeat guidance on how households and businesses can prepare for storms and power cuts.
People are advised to take practical steps before a storm arrives to reduce the risk of damage and to keep family members and animals safe. Homeowners should secure loose items in gardens and yards, including bins, ladders and outdoor furniture, and check that roof tiles, fences and gutters are sound. Where possible, debris such as moss and leaves should be cleared from guttering and any overhanging or dead branches removed to prevent them becoming projectiles in high winds. External doors, windows and loft trapdoors should be closed and fastened, and storm shutters secured if fitted. Vehicles should be parked in garages where available or positioned away from trees, buildings and fences.
Households are also urged to prepare for the possibility of power disruption. Mobile phones and essential battery packs should be charged ahead of a storm and a small supply of any necessary medication kept accessible. Important documents such as passports, driving licences and insurance details should be gathered, and contact numbers for insurers noted. Where properties are at risk of flooding, valuable items and essentials should be moved upstairs or stored as high as possible on the ground floor.
During severe weather, people should remain indoors where it is safe to do so and keep internal doors closed to reduce draughts and damage. Non-essential electrical items should be unplugged to guard against power surges, while a light can be left on to signal the return of power. Those who must go outside are advised to avoid walking close to buildings, trees and the sheltered side of walls and fences, which can be prone to sudden collapse in high winds. Repairs should not be attempted while a storm is in progress, and animals should be brought inside with sufficient food, bedding and fresh water, the RSPCA has advised.
If floodwater traps occupants in a building, people should move to the highest level that can be safely accessed but avoid attic spaces because of the risk of being cut off by rising water. Roofing or other high external areas should be used only as a last resort. Emergency services should be called on 999 in life-threatening situations and people advised to follow guidance from the Met Office and local authorities.
If electricity is lost, suppliers advise switching off non-essential appliances but leaving one light on so it is clear when power returns. Power cuts can be reported online or by calling 105, a free service in England, Scotland and Wales; doing so can also identify vulnerable customers who may need priority assistance, for example people who rely on electrically powered medical equipment. A suspected gas leak should be reported immediately by phoning the national emergency number 0800 111 999.
Drivers urged to take extra care during warnings, packing warm clothing, food, drink, blankets and a torch and carrying a fully charged telephone. Slower speeds, increased braking distances and caution around high-sided vehicles are recommended in heavy rain and poor visibility. Insurers say that driving during a weather warning does not automatically invalidate a claim, but they may contest a claim if they can show negligence, such as driving on a road that authorities advised closing.
After a storm, safety remains the priority. Householders should not undertake tasks that might put them at risk and should be particularly cautious around exposed electrical and telephone cables. Properties should only be re-entered when authorities say it is safe to do so. Most building, contents and business policies cover storm damage, and insurers typically operate 24-hour emergency helplines to advise policyholders, arrange temporary repairs and begin claims processes. Temporary repairs to prevent further damage should be carried out when it is safe; receipts should be retained as evidence for claims. Policyholders are generally advised not to discard damaged items until their insurer has had an opportunity to inspect them, unless those items pose a hazard.
There are also practical legal and logistical issues to consider in the wake of storm damage. Ownership of boundary features such as fences is not governed by a simple rule and can vary by property; homeowners who are uncertain which fences they are responsible for should consult their title deeds. Property drying after flood or water ingress can be a slow process, sometimes taking weeks or months, and homeowners may need to delay redecoration until structures are fully dry to prevent further problems, including mould.
Officials encourage people to monitor Met Office weather warnings and local news outlets for updates, and to follow advice issued by emergency services and local authorities. Practical preparation and measured responses during and after storms can reduce immediate risks to life and property and help speed recovery when severe weather passes.