Staying Safe in Thunderstorms and Flooding
In the event of thunderstorms or flash flooding, please follow the below advice to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
During thunderstorms, sudden flooding could occur, especially after a period of dry conditions. Flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions, damage to homes and businesses, and possibly cause power cuts.
- Give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds, so keep your speed down and keep a safe distance.
- Give yourself more time to react while driving. Reduced visibility and wet roads will increase your stopping distance.
- Do not attempt to drive through flood water. Just 30cm of moving flood water is enough to make your car float and potentially move you into deeper water where you could become stranded.
- Do not move or ignore road closure signs. These signs are there for your safety, so please do not ignore them.
- Do not let children play in flood water. It could be deeper than it seems.
- Ensure good ventilation if using portable indoor heating appliances to dry out indoor spaces. Do not use petrol or diesel generators or other similar fuel-driven equipment indoors: the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can kill.
- Do not turn on gas or electrics if they are wet. Only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified technician.
- Ensure people and pets are upstairs if your building begins to flood.
- Stay inside during a flood and call 999 if you are in danger – for example, if it is affecting electrics.
Keep up to date with the weather warnings by visiting the Met Office website.