The Met Office issued Amber and Yellow weather warnings as Storm Ashley hit parts of the UK, with flights and trains cancelled and thousands left without power1. The warnings and the disruption were reported by the Met Office in a news release dated 23 October 2024, which looked back on the storm the previous weekend1.
The release gave no regional breakdown of the warnings, no wind speeds, no rainfall totals and no figure for the number of households affected; those details have not been reported1. It said only that the storm hit parts of the UK and that thousands were left without power1.
The storm coincided with the launch of the Met Office's "WeatherReady" winter campaign, published with survey results on how severe weather affects people around the UK1. The survey found that almost half of people in the UK 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 forecast before making plans, but just 18% checked up on vulnerable people they know in anticipation of severe weather1.
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: "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. The WeatherReady campaign, supported by the Cabinet Office, brings together advice on travel, protecting property and looking after health and wellbeing1.
Why it matters for households
The Met Office said the storm was a reminder of the disruption severe weather can cause in the UK, with cancelled flights and trains and power cuts leaving thousands without electricity1. Its survey indicates how many households are caught unprepared: almost half in the past year, with heavy rain the biggest cause of disruption and power cuts among the impacts reported by almost one in five1. The Met Office advises people to check the latest forecast, to know how to shut off electricity or gas quickly, to keep a first aid kit to hand and to prepare a list of useful contact numbers1. It also encourages everyone to check on people they know who could be vulnerable, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions1. The different warning levels are set out in the guide to Met Office weather warnings, and households can read how to sign up for Met Office weather alerts. Further guidance on travel disruption in bad weather and on storms and snow is also available.
What happens next
The Met Office said it was too early to give a forecast for the whole of the winter ahead1. It noted that 12 storms were named in the last storm season1. The WeatherReady campaign continues through the winter, with advice pages on travel, protecting property and health and wellbeing1.
Sources (1)
- Almost half of people caught out by severe weather - Met Office, metoffice.gov.uk
Met Office Weather Warnings
