Weather
How to Prepare for a Storm
3 min read · Last reviewed 22 September 2026
Before a storm, secure anything loose outside, close and fasten windows and doors, park away from trees and walls, and charge phones and power banks. During it, stay indoors and avoid unnecessary journeys. Afterwards, keep well away from fallen cables and weakened walls or trees, and check on neighbours.
Watch the warnings
The Met Office names storms that are likely to cause significant disruption, and issues yellow, amber and red weather warnings based on how likely the impacts are and how severe they could be. A named storm with an amber or red warning is the signal to prepare properly, usually the day before.
Check the forecast for your own area rather than the headline. The same storm can bring flooding to one county and fallen trees to the next.
The day before
Most storm damage to homes comes from things the wind picks up. The Met Office's advice is to secure loose objects such as ladders and garden furniture, anything that could be blown into a window.
- Bring in or tie down bins, garden furniture, trampolines and pots
- Close and fasten doors and windows, especially on the side facing the wind
- Park in a garage if you have one, otherwise away from trees, walls and fences
- Charge phones, power banks and rechargeable torches
- Fill a vacuum flask with boiling water for hot drinks if the power goes
- Check the torches work and the spare batteries are where you think they are
While the storm passes
Stay indoors as much as you can. If you have to go out, keep away from buildings and trees, and from the sheltered side of walls and fences, which can come down. Do not try to repair damage while the wind is still up.
Put off journeys that can wait. If you must drive, slow down on exposed roads and bridges and allow for side winds, especially when towing or passing high-sided vehicles.
Stay away from the coast. Large waves can sweep people off promenades and sea walls, and watching them is not worth the risk.
If the power goes
Storms are the most common cause of long power cuts in the UK. Call 105 to report one in England, Scotland or Wales, keep the fridge and freezer shut, and use torches rather than candles. Never bring a barbecue, camping stove or generator indoors.
Afterwards
Treat every fallen cable as live and stay at least 5 metres away. Report it by calling 105, or 999 if someone is in danger. Walls, trees and buildings may have been weakened even if they are still standing, so give them room.
Check on neighbours, particularly anyone older or living alone, and photograph any damage before you tidy up if you might claim on insurance.
For the power cut that often follows
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- Check price on Amazon
LED torch
A phone torch drains the battery you need for calls. A proper torch is the most useful thing in a power cut.
Rechargeable lantern, about £14
- Check price on Amazon
USB power bank
Keeps phones alive for calls, alerts and torch use. Charge it every few months so it is ready.
20,000mAh power bank with built-in cable, about £50
- Check options on Amazon
Battery or wind-up radio
If the mobile network or your broadband goes down, local radio is how you find out what is happening.
Wind-up DAB and FM radio, about £35
- Check price on Amazon
Spare batteries
Torches and radios are only as good as the batteries in them. Keep a sealed set that does not get raided for toys.
AA and AAA battery pack, about £10
- Check options on Amazon
Warm blanket
One proper blanket per household beats several thin ones, and it is just as useful in the car.
Fleece blanket, about £13
Get ready before the next one
The builder works out the torches, batteries, power bank and radio your household needs for a storm power cut, and ticks off what you already have.
Build my storm kitCommon questions
- What does an amber weather warning mean?
- The Met Office says an amber warning means an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather: possible travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and a potential risk to life and property. Think about changing your plans. A red warning means dangerous weather is expected and you should act now to stay safe.
- What should I do if a tree or power line comes down?
- Treat any cable as live and stay at least 5 metres away, even if it looks dead: lines can be switched back on without warning. Call 105 to report it, or 999 if someone is hurt or in danger.
- Is it safe to drive in a storm?
- Only if the journey cannot wait. Slow down on exposed roads and bridges, allow for side winds, and give cyclists, motorbikes and high-sided vehicles more room. Avoid tree-lined roads where you can.
Useful sources
- Stay safe in a storm (Met Office)
- Weather warnings guide (Met Office)
- What to do if you have a power cut (Energy Networks Association)
- Travelling in storms, rain and strong wind (Met Office)
- Find your electricity network operator (powercut105.com)
- Prepare (GOV.UK)
My Emergency Kit is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the UK Government or emergency services. Our suggestions are general information for UK households, not professional, medical or emergency advice. In an emergency call 999.
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