Severe weather

Preparing for all weather conditions

Rating Action required
Very low Some limited geographical areas may be affected by non-persistent fog, however care should be taken in these areas, especially when driving.
Low More widespread, locally dense fog is likely to affect significant areas but will not persist for more than 1 to 2 days. Extra care should be taken when driving through affected areas, and journeys may take longer than usual. Public transport may be disrupted, particularly air travel.
Medium Widespread and dense fog affecting large areas may persist for many days. Travel disruption is likely, particularly as affected airports may close, and drivers should be extremely careful in affected areas.
High N/A

When a weather warning for a heatwave has been issued by the Met Office, the UK Health Security Agency has some good advice for coping with the heat.

Stay out of the heat

  • Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
  • If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
  • Avoid extreme physical exertion
  • Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes

Cool yourself down

  • Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
  • Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
  • Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
  • Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck

Keep your environment cool

  • Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can't look after themselves
  • Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
  • Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
  • Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun. However, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat - consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
  • Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment - they generate heat
  • Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
  • If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
  • Electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°C

Look out for others

  • Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
  • Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
  • Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave
  • Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed

If you have a health problem

  • Keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging).
  • Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.

If you or others feel unwell

  • Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
  • Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
  • Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
  • Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
  • Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist

In the longer term

  • Consider putting up external shading outside windows
  • Use pale, reflective external paints
  • Have your loft and cavity walls insulated - this keeps the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot
  • Grow trees and leafy plants near windows to act as natural air-conditioners
Rating Action required
Very low Localised icy stretches on some untreated roads and pavements may occur, therefore extra care should be taken when walking, cycling or driving.
Low Road networks will remain generally open, despite more widespread icy stretches on untreated roads and pavements. Extra care should be taken when walking, cycling or driving, and journeys are likely to take longer than usual.
Medium Widespread black ice may occur, with some roads only passable with care. Road collisions are possible, and slips and falls are significantly more likely.
Rating Action required
Very low Limited flooding of low lying fields, recreational land and car parks may occur, but disruption to travel is unlikely. Take care when driving as wet roads and pooling surface water may make conditions difficult.
Low Flooding of low lying fields, recreational land and car parks is likely, with a small number of homes and businesses also affected. Local travel will be disrupted resulting in longer journey times, and water on roads may make driving difficult. Drive carefully according to the conditions, and aim to avoid areas that are prone to flooding.
Medium Some flooding of homes, businesses and transport links is likely, resulting in disruption to travel. Utility supplies and telecoms are likely to be disrupted, and some evacuations may be necessary. Be prepared to protect yourself and your property, and look out for vulnerable friends, family and members of the community.
High There will be widespread flooding of properties, and due to the significant risk to life, evacuation should be expected. Travel and utilities will be severely disrupted - make sure you look out for vulnerable friends, family and members of the community. Above all else, take action to ensure your own safety and follow the advice of the emergency services.
Rating Action required
Very low Some slippery road surfaces may be possible due to small amounts of snow on roads and pavements, therefore traffic is likely to move slower than usual. Take extra care when walking, cycling or driving in affected areas.
Low Road networks will remain generally open, despite more widespread snow lying on roads and pavements. Localised travel disruption may occur, however will mainly only affect particularly prone areas. Journeys through affected areas are likely to take longer than usual, and extra care should be taken when walking, cycling or driving.
Medium Widespread snow will result in a number of road closures, with others passable only with extreme care and by suitable vehicles. Disruption to public transport is likely, and significant delays are likely to affect all journeys.
High Widespread deep snow will leave many roads closed and impassible. Driving in these conditions is highly likely to result in drivers becoming stranded and there will be a risk to personal safety. Significant disruption to all forms of transport, as well as school and infrastructure closures will likely disrupt normal day to day life. Any unnecessary journeys should be avoided.

Here is what you can do to be prepared

Surrey County Council flooding 

Met office

Further information can be found on the Met Office website

Check for flooding

Flooding

To report severe flooding in your area contact the Environment Agency on 24-hour service telephone line: 0345 988 1188. You can also use Type talk on 0345 602 6340.

See our flooding advice pages for flood warnings and practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.

Fallen trees

If a tree is blocking the road or has created another emergency situation  call Surrey County Council Contact Centre

You can report any other fallen trees online

Power cuts and reporting faults

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is for people who might need extra support during a power cut; for example, people who need electricity for vital medical equipment. If you are on the Register and you have a power cut you should continue to call the phone number that you have been given when you signed up.  

Report power cuts and get more information by calling 105 or visiting the Power Cut website.

Be prepared for power cuts, Ofgem has some additional helpful advice on what to do if you are affected by a power cut.

You can also visit the UK Power Networks or Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks websites to check if they are aware of a power cut in your area or for general help and advice due to a power cut, to sign up for free Priority services if eligible, or to report damage to power equipment.

Any updates on services affected by the storm will be given on service disruptions webpage.

Find more information on Met Office weather warnings, service disruptions, grit bin, and gritting routes in Runnymede

Rating Action required
Very low Some dislodged debris and branches may occur, with some very limited travel disruption. This is most likely to be on exposed or high level routes, on which vulnerable vehicles (high-sided) should be cautious.
Low Some branches or trees may be brought down, causing localised travel disruption. Drivers should be wary on exposed or wind prone routes, particularly those of vulnerable vehicles. Be aware of small debris being blown around.
Medium More widespread tree damage is likely, as is other debris such as slates dislodged from roofs. Some minor structural damage is possible, and there is a risk of injury from flying debris. Be prepared for disruption to travel, such as bridge and road closures, as well as localised interruptions to power.
High Widespread structural damage will occur, such as roofs being blown off, mobile homes overturned and power lines being brought down. Where possible avoid close proximity to high walls and standing beneath trees. There will be a risk to personal safety therefore unnecessary travel should be avoided. Widespread disruption to travel and power supplies is likely and may be prolonged.

 

Find more information on Met Office weather warnings, service disruptions, grit bin, and gritting routes in Runnymede