The Met Office launched its WeatherReady winter campaign on 23 October 2024, publishing survey results on how severe weather affected people across the UK over the past year1. The campaign is supported by the Cabinet Office and brings together advice on travel, protecting property and looking after health and wellbeing1. The announcement followed Storm Ashley, which brought Amber and Yellow weather warnings to parts of the UK the previous weekend; flights and trains were cancelled and thousands were left without power1.
The survey, of people from around the UK, found that almost half had been caught out unexpectedly by severe weather over the past year1. Heavy rain stopping people getting to work on time or going out affected more than a third (36%) of those surveyed, while issues with public transport, slipping on ice and power cuts affected almost one in five1. Almost half (48%) check the latest weather forecast before making plans, but just 18% checked up on vulnerable people they know in anticipation of severe weather1.
Asked what bothers them most about winter weather, half (50%) said how cold it gets and a third (34%) how unpredictable the weather is1. Strong winds and storms bothered more than a third (39%), and 32% said not being able to go outside as much in winter bothered them most1. Twelve storms were named in the last storm season1.
Will Lang, the Met Office's Head of Situational Awareness, said:
"Checking the latest forecast and knowing what the weather is likely to do is a key part of being prepared, but it's also really important to know 'how' to take action if needed. For example, knowing how to shut off your electricity or gas supply quickly, having a first aid kit to hand, or preparing a list of useful contact numbers, could all help [minimise impact and disruption]."
On vulnerable people, Lang said: "Severe weather can impact us all, but it's important to remember that some are more vulnerable than others, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions"1. He added: "Ahead of severe weather, we'd encourage everyone to check on people they know could be vulnerable and help them take steps to keep safe this winter"1.
Why it matters for households
The survey points to the practical ways winter weather disrupts households: travel to work and public transport, ice underfoot and power cuts1. The Met Office says knowing how to shut off electricity or gas quickly, having a first aid kit to hand and keeping a list of useful contact numbers could help minimise impact and disruption1. It also encourages people to check on those who could be vulnerable, particularly the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, ahead of severe weather1. The Met Office says it is too early to give a forecast for the whole winter1.
What happens next
The WeatherReady advice pages, covering travel, protecting property and health and wellbeing, are live1. The Met Office has also published a list of 10 things to do now to prepare for winter weather1. No further dates for the campaign have been reported.
Households can find background on winter hazards in the guide to storms and snow, and on wider planning in the guide to UK preparedness.
Sources (1)
- Almost half of people caught out by severe weather - Met Office, metoffice.gov.uk
