The Met Office run the National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS), which provides warnings, up to seven days in advance for severe weather including extreme heat, rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, and fog.
Each warning issued should contain:
- A headline – describing the type of weather forecast;
- Details on the predicted impact(s)of the weather forecast and an indication of how likely those impacts are;
- Links to advice and guidance on staying safe in severe weather; and
- Additional information on the forecast weather.
When applicable, warnings could also cover information on why a warning has been updated, depending on the impact the weather may have and the likelihood of those impacts occurring. These impacts can include ‘damage to property, travel delays and cancellations, loss of water supplies, power cuts and, in the most severe cases, bring a danger to life.’ The warnings are also colour coded, yellow, amber, or red, according to their severity, where:
- Yellow Warnings - are issued when the weather could cause some low-level impacts (i.e. disruption to travel) in a few places. Yellow warnings could also occur when more severe weather impacts, affecting many people ‘but the certainty of those impacts occurring is much lower.’
- Amber Warnings - indicate an increased likelihood of severe weather impacts, with a potential risk to life and property and the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts. Consider amending your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property.
- Red Warning – indicate dangerous weather is expected (risk to life, damage to property and infrastructure and substantial disruption to travel and energy supplies) and you should take action to keep yourself and others safe from its impact. Avoid travel if possible and follow advice provided by the emergency services.
Further information can be found at - Weather warnings guide - Met Office