Severe weather advice | Severe weather

Severe weather such as heavy snow, blizzards, dense fog, gales, heat, flooding and wide-spread ice can cause great disruption to daily routines.

Severe weather may affect everyone, but older people and those who are infirm or who have disabilities are particularly vulnerable.

We plan for severe weather so that our essential services can respond to communities in need across Thurrock. We will work with emergency services and other agencies to help return the situation to normal as quickly as possible. Everyone has an important part to play during such difficult times.

Weather warnings

Go to Met Office: UK Weather Warnings for warning issued when severe or hazardous weather is expected.

The Met Office aims to issue warnings between 12 hours and 24 hours in advance of any forecast event that has the potential to cause danger to life or widespread disruption of communications or transport.

Floods

The government provides advice on floods. Go to:

For more information, go to our section on flooding.

Other advice

The NHS provides advice about keeping warm or staying cool. Go to NHS: How to stay well in winter and NHS: How to cope in hot weather.

During severe weather:

listen to local radio for regional weather forecasts
offer assistance to neighbours – milk left on the doorstep and curtains drawn during the day, may be a sign all is not well
wrap up warm in several thin layers
conserve energy by using one room
have at least one hot meal a day
fill some clean containers with fresh water in case supplies fail

During a heatwave:

avoid the hottest part of the day
keep out of the sun
drink plenty of fluids avoiding alcoholic drinks
avoid excessive exercise
take cool showers or baths and use water sprays
keep your house cool and close curtains during the day
keep sleeping areas cool
don't leave pets in hot places
fill clean containers with fresh water in case supplies fail
when driving, open windows, have plenty of water and take regular rest breaks