What is a storm?
Storms are commonly used to describe a deep and active area of low pressure with associated strong winds and precipitation. Evidence suggests that the frequency and intensity of storms is likely to increase in the future due to climate change.
When these areas of low pressure meet certain criteria, the Met Office names them. 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?
We are not able to prevent storms. However, through better forecasting and advanced warning we can better plan for a storm. 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
- Simultaneous loss of fixed and mobile forms of communication
- Failure of gas supply infrastructure
What can you do to prepare for storms?
1. Action to take before the storm
Sign up to alerts
As a member of the public, you can access and sign up to receive information from the Met Office on weather warnings for your area. 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
2. Action to take during a storm
If a severe weather warning (wind) is used by the Met Office, then you can undertake the following activities to ensure that you are prepared.
At home
Stay indoors (where possible). Do not go outside to repair damages whilst the storm is in progress.
Stay up to date with the latest weather forecast
Do not touch electrical or phone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
Listen to emergency services advice
Secure or store loose objectives that could blow into windows
Close and fasten doors and windows securely
Park vehicles in a garage or well away from trees, buildings walls and fences
Travelling by car
Is the car journey essential? If it is, then you will need to make sure you are prepared for the journey with:
Appropriate clothing
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 a trailer or other vehicle
Do not drive through any flood water
