Severe Weather

It can come in various forms from gales and storms; heavy and deep snow; freezing temperatures, ice and even summer heatwaves and can last for prolonged periods.

Experience has shown that severe weather can happen at any time, causing a range of problems and it doesn’t take much for it to have significant impact on our everyday lives.

For more information:

The Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) warns of the impacts caused by severe weather.  Met Office weather warnings include a level of impact that the forecast weather is expected to bring and the likelihood of those impacts occurring.

Possible consequences in the event of Severe Weather:

  • Disruption to transport, utilities and communications
  • Vulnerable being exposed to health threating low or high temperatures
  • Danger to life from windswept objects and structural failures
  • School and public buildings closed
  • Damage to property and infrastructure
  • Businesses and services may be forced to close or suspend operations
  • Impact on rural areas, livestock affected and isolated communities
  • Additional pressure on organisations to deliver essential functions to the community

What are we doing in Gwent?

  • Maintain multi agency and individual organisation plans for responding to severe weather events
  • Work together to continue critical services and minimise disruption
  • Monitor weather forecasts all year round and provide advice and guidance
  • Implement winter planning e.g. gritting, snow ploughing etc
  • Target assistance to the most vulnerable members of our communities

What can you do?

  • Check and listen to the weather forecasts and take heed of any warnings issued
  • Do not travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary, if you do need to travel, plan ahead and carry emergency food/clothing/blanket etc
  • Consider and plan for how you would manage without essential utilities e.g. electricity or water
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable relatives and friends
  • Take action to keep warm or during high temperatures hydrated
  • Follow the advice given by agencies
  • Ensure you have adequate insurance