Advice on storms

Strong winds and rain have the potential to cause widespread disruption and even danger to life. Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen.

What to do if there is a storm

Before the storm you should:

• check the Met Office website for weather warnings and the weather forecast
• secure outdoor items such as bins and furniture to prevent them from being blown around
• keep your car away from trees, walls and fences, or in a garage if possible
• be aware of a flood risk by signing up to flood warnings on the Government website

During the storm you should:

• follow advice on the Met Office website on staying safe during a storm
• avoid travel if necessary, or if you must travel, allow for extra time
• not drive through the water if roads are flooded - the safest advice is to turn around
• choose main roads if you can, and keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges where you may be exposed to side winds 
• stay indoors as much as possible
• report any damage to infrastructure

After the storm you should:

• check that vulnerable relatives and neighbours are safe and help them arrange repairs if necessary
• be cautious when walking close to walls, fences and trees which may have been weakened by the storm

What to do during flooding

Who to contact

If it is an emergency and there is a danger to life as a result of flooding you should call 999.

Road flooding

• report road flooding to us online
• for flooding on major trunk roads, such as the A1, A1(M), M62, A66, A66(M), A64, A168 and A19, contact Highways England on 0300 123 5000 (24 hours service)

Sewers and water pipes flooding

• to report a problem contact Yorkshire Water - in some parts of North Yorkshire your water company may be Northumbrian Water or United Utilities

River flooding

The Environment Agency is responsible for river flooding and will be able to help you if you are at risk:

• for advice and enquiries about flood warnings contact the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0345 988 1188 (24 hours service)
• for general queries about main rivers or flooding from the sea contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or 0345 988 1188 

If you need sandbags for flood protection you can request sandbags.

What could happen during a flooding incident?

There could be damage to homes, personal property and infrastructure, like roads. There could also be disruption to utility services such as gas, broadband, electric and water supply. You may need to leave your home.

What you can do to prepare yourself

• check for flood and storm warnings and information about river levels on the Environment Agency web pages, as well as signing up for free flood warnings
• the government’s website has information and advice to help you prepare for flooding, and what you should do during and after a flood
• visit the BeFloodReady website for information and guidance on how you can prepare your home or business for a flood
• put together an emergency grab bag in case you need to leave home at short notice - this should contain items like toiletries, medication and bottled water
• move valuable and irreplaceable items to upper floors during a time of flood risk where possible
• plan where you can go if you need to evacuate and how you will get there
• arrange who can look after your pets 
• have medication on hand to take with you
• identify neighbours who may need assistance or can provide assistance to you in case of evacuation
• turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if possible

Stay up to date

• keep up to date with local weather reports and check for the latest flood alerts in your area
• check road closures due to flooding - these will be listed on our road closures and diversions page

Flood water

• take care around flood water and do not walk or drive through flood water - just a few inches of water can knock you off your feet. Water could be contaminated and you cannot see hazards such as lifted manhole covers
• please respect road closure signs - even if the flood water has receded, bridges and other structures may need to be inspected to ensure they are safe for use. Not only is removing signs dangerous, it is an offence.