What is a red weather warning? Meaning explained
AS Storm Eunice belts part of Britain, the Met Office has made a significant decision to issue a red weather warning.
The move is fairly uncommon, reflecting the severity of the weather and the risk it poses to life.
What is a red weather warning?
The Met Office issues warnings ahead of severe or hazardous weather which has the potential to cause “damage, widespread disruption and/or danger to life.”
The warnings are given a colour to reflect the seriousness and likelihood of the impact, ranging from yellow, amber and red.
Red is the most serious of the weather warnings.
It means “extreme weather” is expected.
The Met Office says: “Red means you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather.
“Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely.
“You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.”
Rain, wind, snow, fog and ice all threaten to cause disruption and danger to our daily lives.
To prevent serious accidents or death the Met Office will issue a weather warning – normally five days ahead – giving the public time to make alternative travel plans to help minimise disruption.
Red warnings are issued for rain where there is likely to be widespread flooding of homes and businesses, danger to life from fast flowing water, dangerous driving conditions and prolonged disruption to transport and utilities.
Red warnings can also be issued for ice and snow when there is a widespread risk from slips and falls, travel routes will be cut off and whole communities isolated.
Red warnings are also issued for wind when there is a danger to life from flying debris, and widespread property damage and disruption to travel and power networks are forecast.
What should I do if there is a red weather warning?
A red warning alert means dangerous weather is expected and action is required to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather.
The Met Office says: “It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
“You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.”
If there is a power cut, you should call 105 to report it for free from all networks.
Be prepared and make sure you have a few torches to hand.
Candles are also handy, but a torch is a lot safer.
Fill your kitchen cupboards with things that don’t need electricity to prepare.
If your hob is a gas hob, think tins that are easy to warm up.
If you do have a gas hob, remember that you need electricity to light it, so have some matches or a lighter to ignite it.
Consider investing in a wind-up or battery powered radio, so you can hear the news and find out what is going on in the local area. Get your blankets and warm clothes ready and keep warm.
Check on your neighbours to ensure they are safe and well.
Keep a light on, so that you know when the power has been put back on.
Keep your freezer and fridge door closed for as long as possible to keep the food as cold as possible.
It is estimated that food can stay fresh for up to four hours in a fridge, 48 hours in a freezer that is full, and 24 hours in a half full freezer.
There are a number of ways you can keep updated about the severe weather warnings in the UK with most people finding out on radio and TV.
You can also go straight to the source and visit the , while others sign up to phone apps, RSS and email alerts so they can be notified while they’re on the go.
It’s always helpful to pass on weather warnings to family and friends by sharing them on , and other social media to spread the word.
When has the Met Office issued a red weather warning in the UK?
The Met Office released a red weather warning for Storm Eunice.
Millions could be facing the UK’s worst “red warning” storm in 30 years from February 18, 2022, in the second storm to hit Britain in a week.
It comes after Storm Dudley left homes and cars wrecked with 100mph gales – with Brits up and down the country this morning waking up to debris in their gardens.
But Storm Eunice could be even worse – with forecasters saying it could be the strongest storm since Burns Day in 1990 when wind speeds reached 107mph in Aberporth, Wales.
In February 2018, Scotland received the UK’s first ever red warning for snow during Storm Emma.
A red alert was issued with government buildings shut, courts closed down, council offices shut and thousands of employees sent home early.
Some people were trapped on the M80 between Glasgow and Stirling and were even forced to sleep in their cars.
Train and bus services were also axed with ScotRail cancelling ALL services across the red warning area.
Hundreds of schools were closed and hospital appointments cancelled.
It was the first red alert since the Met Office brought in the colour system in 1987.