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Weather problems and how the Met Office, BBC and Environment Agency combine to warn us

10 February 2009

Every year UK organisations lose thousands of pounds because of the weather - from late or absent staff, delayed deliveries, surplus or insufficient stock to cancellation of projects. There is a complex system of weather warnings in place set up through the Met Office, the BBC and the Environment Agency to help organisations plan their weather response. This article takes a look at the different tiers of warnings for weather and flooding and tells you about where to get more information. It's possible that your organisation could be better prepared by being more aware of the warnings and what they mean.

The Met Office provides tailored services to both the public and private sectors. OpenRoad is its road weather forecast package that helps those responsible for maintaining the smooth running of the roads to plan, manage and minimise the effects of the weather. This service, available in the UK and overseas, helps road maintenance decision-makers (from local government to Formula 1 racing teams) to minimise the impact of the weather, particularly ice, on road and pavement usage. Forecasts are based on Met Office science combined with data received from a network of specialised road sensors installed on major roads.

The BBC works with the Met Office and the Environment Agency to provide the first indication that bad weather is approaching. This indication is given with a 'Weather Watch' which would suggest a 20 - 40% chance of bad weather. The next indication that bad weather is approaching can be given with an 'Early Warning'. This will be broadcast on the Met Office website, digital text services and Ceefax. An 'Early Warning' could be issued up to five days in advance; it will emphasise that while these conditions are possible, they're not certain.

The second stage 'Weather Warning', indicated by the red warning symbol, is broadcast on all BBC weather output when forecasters at the Met Office and the BBC are sure that the gales, snow, rain or fog have reached the following criteria:

Gales

• Severe gales - gusts of 70mph (60 knots) or more.
• Severe gales/storms - gusts of 80mph (70 knots) or more.

Snow

• Snow falling at a rate of approx. 2 cm/hr or more expected for at least two hours.
• Blizzards/drifting - moderate or heavy snow with winds of 30mph (25 knots) or more with visibility reduced to 200 or less, or drifting snow giving similar conditions. Blizzards are severe when visibility is reduced to near zero.
• Very heavy snowfall, blizzards or drifting - expected to give depths of 30cm or more causing widespread disruption in communications.

Heavy rain

• Expected to persist for at least two hours and to give at least 15mm within a three hour period.

Dense fog

• Visibility generally less than 50m.

Heatwaves

• Day and night temperatures which prompt heatwave warnings can vary across the UK, however, when there is an 80% chance of extremely high temperatures on at least two consecutive days, then a heatwave warning is issued, along with NHS contact details for further information.

Glazed frost/widespread icy roads.

• Generally occurs when rain freezes on contact with road surfaces.
• Any BBC Weather Centre 'Early Warning' is based on an 'Early Warning' received from the Met Office. These are issued when there is an overall risk of disruption to 60% or more of the population, somewhere in the UK.
• It is also the Met Office's responsibility to filter information down to the emergency services, local authorities and some government departments too. If conditions worsen and start to match the list above, this is stepped up to a 'National Severe Weather Warning'.

The Environment Agency uses a three-tiered Flood warning system to tell the public about the risk from flooding. The system (set up in September 2000) has four categories of alerts, although only the Severe Flood Warnings will be covered on TV broadcasts. The BBC uses the same tiers, which are as follows:-

Flood Watch

• This is the first stage of the warning. If your area is issued with a flood watch it means flooding is expected to low lying land and roads. You're advised to keep a close eye on local radio or television reports, alert your neighbours, watch water levels, check on your pets, reconsider any travel plans, make sure you can put your flood plan into action, and ring the Floodline for further information and advice.

Flood Warning

• If a flood warning is issued in your area, it means flooding of homes and businesses is expected and you are advised to 'Act Now'. You should be prepared at this stage to move pets, vehicles, food, valuables, and other items to safety, also be prepared to turn off the gas and electricity, be ready to evacuate your home, and put sandbags or floodboards in place to protect your home.

Severe Flood Warning - Red warning symbol

• This is the warning issued when serious flooding is expected, there is extreme danger to life and property and you are once again advised to 'Act Now'. If your warning is upgraded to this you should make be prepared for your gas, electricity, water, and telephone supplies being lost, you're advised to keep calm and reassure others, and cooperate with the emergency services.

All Clear

• This is issued when the flood water levels are going down and no flood watches or warnings are in force any longer. At this stage you can check it is safe to return home.

There are a number of things we can do to prepare for floods, so when a warning is issued we'll be ready and know what to do:

• Make sure you have a list of the important phone numbers, including the Environment Agency's Floodline (0845 988 1188), the local council, emergency services, and your insurance company.
• Collect together a flood kit which should include a first aid kit, torch, and waterproof clothing.
• Find out how to turn off your gas and electricity.
• Think about where you could move things like cars to if a flood is imminent, and also where you could take your pets.
• Have some sandbags or flood boards on hand to block your doors.

These weather warnings are issued to help organisations plan their response to conditions that might cause disruption to normal operations.