Storms and high winds

Check the forecast and get weather warnings

Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings, and make sure you understand what the forecast means.

Check the current forecast and weather warnings

If you have the Met Office weather app, you will get instant notifications of UK weather warnings for your saved locations. You can also get Met Office weather warnings by email.

Have essential items ready

Make sure you have enough medication and food in case it becomes difficult to leave the house.

Use our emergency grab bag checklist to help you think about other essential items you need to have in stock.

Protect your property

• Secure any loose objects outside your property. For example, bins, ladders, trampolines, outdoor games, garden furniture, and tools
• Check fences and roof tiles are secure
• Clear guttering of debris such as moss and leaves
• Close and fasten external doors and windows
• If you have storm shutters fitted, make sure they are secure
• Close and secure loft trapdoors
• Park vehicles in a garage if you have one. If not, make sure they are parked as far as possible from buildings, trees and fences

Know how to turn off utilities

You might need to turn off the mains water, gas, or electricity in your home during an emergency. Make sure you know where the following are in your home, and write this in your household emergency plan:

• Water stop tap: Where to find your stop tap (Anglian Water)
• Gas isolation valve (also called an 'emergency control valve'): How to turn off your gas supply (Cadent Gas)
• Electricity isolation switch

Let services know you need extra support

If you or a family member are vulnerable, check if you are eligible to sign up to your gas, electricity, or water providers' Priority Service Registers.

Signing up to a Priority Service Register (PSR) lets your supplier know that you need extra support. This includes when your supply is interupted due to storms and high winds.

Contact your supplier or go to the Priority Services Register website to check if you're eligible.

Prioritise safety

Always prioritise the safety of yourself and your family before property. If there is immediate danger, call 999.

Follow instructions from emergency services and your local authorities.

Do not try to repair any damage while a storm is in progress.

Travel safely

If possible, stay indoors and avoid travelling during a storm. If you do need to go out:

• Plan your journey in advance and allow extra time. Get live traffic information on the Causeway one.network website or tune in to BBC Radio Norfolk for local travel updates.
• Make sure you have essential supplies like warm clothing, food, drink, blankets, a torch, and a fully-charged mobile phone
• Avoid walking next to buildings, trees, and the sheltered side of walls or fences, in case of collapse
• Never walk through flood water
• Avoid the coast. Large waves and sea spray can be dangerous on beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths, and roads
• If you're driving, follow the Met Office's advice on driving in storms, rain and strong wind

Problems with your gas, electricity, or water supply

Severe weather can disrupt essential services like gas, electricity, and water supplies.

What to do in a power cut or gas outage

Disruption to your water supply

Anglian Water's advice on frozen pipes

Check on vulnerable members of your community

If it is safe to do so, check in with vulnerable family members and neighbours to make sure they are safe.