What is a storm?
Storms usually mean, low pressure, strong winds and rain. Most people expect storms to be more intense and increase in frequency in the future due to climate change.
If the weather is forecast to have low pressure, strong winds and perhaps rain, the Met Office will give the Storm a name. For more information on this process visit the Met Office’s Storm centre using the button below
If a Storm is named it is because there will be impacts to people when the Storm hits the UK. Having a name helps people recognise the potential severity. For more information on this process visit the Met Office’s Storm centre using the button below
Local Risk Rating
Very High
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare for storms?
Good forecasting means we know when Storms are predicted and all partner agencies, alongside communities, can take action to prevent harm. This might mean advising not to travel or closing bridges during the worst of the Storm.
There are no ways that Storms can be prevented so the focus has to be on knowing when Storms might happen and preparing for them.
The Local Resilience Forum has well tested arrangements that are used to assess the situation and prepare for storm impacts across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Associated Risks
As with many risks, storms can have a knock-on impact resulting in other risks, some examples are:
- National or regional loss of electricity
- Coastal Flooding (flooding from the sea)
- Fluvial Flooding (river flooding)
- Surface Water Flooding
- Land Movement
- Loss of fixed and mobile forms of communication
- Failure of gas supply infrastructure
How can you prepare?
1. Before a storm
Sign up to alerts
You can access and sign up to receive information from the Met Office on weather warnings. You can sign up to receive these warnings by email via the following link:
There is a Met Office app available via the app store or google store that will provide you with up-to-date information on weather warnings.
There are also several other apps that can be useful during a storm for example, Power Track App
Actions to take at home
Close and fasten doors and windows securely
Secure or store loose objects that could blow into windows
Park vehicles in a garage or well away from trees, buildings walls and fences
2. During a storm
If a severe weather warning (wind) is used by the Met Office, or a Storm is named that might impact where you live, then you can undertake the following activities to ensure that you are prepared:
At home
Stay indoors (where possible)
Stay up to date with the latest weather forecast
Stay away from electrical or phone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
Listen to emergency services advice
Travelling by car
During a Storm it is usually not advised to travel, so only essential journeys should be taken.
If you do have to travel:
Wear and take appropriate clothing
Take Food and water
Ensure you have enough fuel and that your car is in good working condition
Slow down on exposed routes, such as over bridges, and if possible, take alternative routes
Take extra care if you are driving a high sided vehicle or towing anything
Never drive through flood water
If you are using public transport (including ferry transport) check before you travel
3. After a storm
Stay far away from electrical or phone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
Take photos of any damage for insurance purposes
Report any damage or problems to landlords/ housing providers
Check on friends, family and neighbours
Helpful links and resources
Hampshire County Council
Visit this page to get information on what to do in an emergency in Hampshire.
Isle of Wight Council
Visit this page to get information on what to do in a storm on the Isle of Wight.
Portsmouth City Council
Visit this page to get information on what to do in an emergency in Portsmouth.
Southampton City Council
Visit this page to get information on what to do in an emergency in Southampton.
