During spells of extreme weather, you should make it a priority to keep updated with changing weather forecasts. This will give you the best chance of preparing and adapting your plans accordingly.
Extreme Weather Alerts
We explain the Met Office weather warnings and how it can help you to protect your people and workplace during extreme weather events
Here we explain the Met Office's weather warning service to help protect your people and workplace should the worst happen.
Met Office Weather Warnings
The Met Office has a national Weather Warning service for the UK when severe weather has the potential to bring widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely.
These warnings are given a colour (yellow, amber, or red) depending on the combination of both the impact and the likelihood of those impacts occurring. The Met Office provide warnings up to seven days ahead for rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, extreme heat and fog.
Here we explain each of warnings in more detail, what they mean for you as an employer and the action you should take when an alert comes in.
Yellow - Be Aware
A yellow weather warning indicates that you need to "be aware" of a range of weather situations. This is the least severe of the three warnings. It means that the weather is likely to have some impact, for example travel disruption. You should:
- Plan ahead, thinking about possible travel delays or the disruption of your day-to-day activities
- Keep an eye on the latest forecast as the weather may change or worsen
- Follow advice given by authorities under all circumstances and be prepared for extraordinary measures
Amber - Be Prepared
An amber weather warning is the next level down from a red warning, so the situation is not quite as severe. It means there is an increased likelihood of bad weather conditions so it is time to make preparations.
- Disruption to your plans and possible travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property
- Be prepared to change your plans and protect yourself, people, and workplace from the impacts of severe weather
Red - Take Action
Red is the most serious kind of weather warning in the UK. It means that it is likely that the weather will cause damage, for example to buildings and roads. It indicates that you should "take action" immediately. It is time to act now, if you haven't already done so.
- Take immediate action to keep yourself and others, including employees safe from the impact of the weather
- Widespread damage and power disruption and risk to life is likely
- Stay away from areas which could be potentially dangerous
- Avoid traveling if possible. Buses, trains, and flights may be delayed or cancelled altogether
- Follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities
Always keep up to date on the Met Office's latest forecast. Sign up for alerts here.
Additionally, if you would like to sign up for regular flood alerts, consult the Environment Agency flood warning service. This government body provides updates every 15 minutes. Sign up for alerts here.More from Arco
Workplace Range
Browse our comprehensive range of workplace products designed to tackle difficult weather conditions. From high quality de-icing rock salt, grit bins and salt spreading equipment to entrance matting and vehicle accessories.
Worker Range
Protect your outdoor workers from cold conditions while ensuring compliance. It's important to consider their thermal comfort and safety to allow them to work at their optimum productivity level. From clothing and accessories to footwear and hi vis.