Tag: Met Office

Snow and Ice warnings issued

Warnings have been issued for snow and ice by the Met Office, as a northerly airflow will bring some disruptive weather through this week.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued with the focus of initial snow showers in northern and eastern areas of the UK.

5-10cm of snow could accumulate over northern Scotland and snow is likely within the warning area even to lower ground, with icy conditions likely to cause travel disruption.

The area of high pressure that has brought recent benign conditions will move away to the west at the start of the week, allowing a northerly airflow to sweep across the UK. The introduction of an arctic maritime airmass will bring snow showers to Scotland, Northern Ireland and along the east coast of England from Monday.

The snow showers will predominantly impact northern and eastern areas; however, it will be cold across the UK, with widespread freezing conditions overnight.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Almond, said: “Very cold air will spread across the UK from late on Sunday through early next week. This brings with it snow even to low levels in the north and east through Monday and Tuesday, and in excess of 10cm could accumulate, most likely on high ground in the north, but also settling for a time at lower levels.

“With freezing overnight temperatures and the risk of ice, there’s a risk of some travel disruption and wintry hazards are likely to persist through much of next week, even further south for a time, so keep an eye on the Met Office forecast for the latest information.”

James Coles of Scottish Mountain Rescue and Team Leader at Moffat Mountain Rescue said: “The UK is entering a period of increasingly challenging weather conditions with snow, ice and gusty winds all featuring prominently in the forecast for the coming week. Upland areas, especially in the mountains, can see conditions change very rapidly and they may be markedly different from surrounding lowland areas.

“Met Office warnings come into force on Monday, but conditions ahead may deteriorate more quickly at higher elevations.”

Stay up to date with the Met Office forecast on social media, through our weather warnings and by checking our mountain area forecasts, which are written by trained meteorologists and are available under specialist forecasts on the Met Office website.

Cold weather alert

The UK Health Security Agency has issued Level 2 and Level 3 Cold Weather Alerts for the whole of England. These are likely to be reviewed and extended in the coming days.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “During periods like this, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can.’’

Transport disruption

Stein Connelly, head of transport resilience (operations) at Transport Scotland, said: “We would urge the public to plan ahead, listen to Police Scotland travel advice, drive to the conditions, and also check before they travel. While our operating companies will be undertaking patrols and treatments and we are closely monitoring the network for impacts, it’s important to recognise that challenging conditions are likely early this week.

“Motorists can check with Traffic Scotland to make sure that their route is available. The new Traffic Scotland website gives people access to the latest travel information and the Traffic Scotland twitter page is also updated regularly.

“We know that stopping distances can be up to ten times greater in snow compared to dry roads so keep well back from the road user in front, check your windscreen washer levels, ensure your mobile phone is charged and have sufficient fuel and warm clothing in case your journey is delayed.”

Get advice for keeping your home warm, staying safe in snow, looking after your pets in cold weather and more as part of WeatherReady.

Further ahead

Temperatures are likely to stay well below average for much of this week, with an increasing chance of snow further south from Wednesday onwards.

Some uncertainty remains on exact positioning and timing of further wintry hazards as milder air attempts to move in from the southwest. Details will be refined for the latter half of the week, but broadly cold conditions with further wintry hazards is the most likely scenario.

Keep up to date with the latest forecast on our website, by following us on Twitter and Facebook. Keep track of current weather warnings on the weather warning page.

New Scottish Flood Forecast informs public of flooding three days in advance

Communities across Scotland will be able to prepare and take action sooner to protect themselves from flooding as a new three-day Scottish Flood Forecast launches.

Developed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.

In addition, the colour coded map on SEPA’s website describes the potential impacts on communities and links to advice and information on what protective action people can take if required. It also offers reassurance when significant flooding is not expected.

The Scottish Flood Forecast was developed following extensive research involving the public, community flood groups, emergency responders, partner organisations and both SEPA and Met Office employees. Feedback from more than 200 users was also gathered during a trial phase from May last year.

Gail Walker is from the Tillicoultry, Devonside and Coalsnaughton Flood Group (Tideco): “The Scottish Flood Forecast is an important information source for Tideco. Advance warning of flooding supports us to work out how we can best respond to weather events with the resources we have.

“Tillicoultry has a number of flooding issues and is a known flooding ‘hot spot’. This can include surface water and sewage flooding within residential streets, as well as flooding from the Tillicoultry Burn and the River Devon, which both have a history of having flooded out homes in the past. Whilst we have some flood defence measures in place, we still have areas that are vulnerable.

“The Scottish Flood Forecast is a useful trigger for the group to plan, prepare and to make sure volunteers are in areas where we know there is the potential for flooding. The key role of Tideco is to warn, inform and offer support to those at risk of flooding or who may have been impacted.”

The forecast is produced every morning, 365 days a year, and published on SEPA’s website. It is an additional tool for the public to use alongside the current Floodline service, which issues shorter notice Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings to those signed up, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Flooding can cause utter devastation to people and communities, as we saw again in several parts of the country in November and December last year.

“The impact of the climate emergency, across the world and here in Scotland, means that flooding will be more frequent. That is why it’s so important that we increase community resilience and take action to manage flood risk.

“The Scottish Flood Forecast will give people a three day look ahead to help make plans for travel and ensure safety and is a product of the excellent partnership working between SEPA and the Met Office.

“This new three-day forecast is a helpful addition to the other important services, such as Floodline, that the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service provides.”

Nicole Paterson, SEPA Chief Executive, added: “The Scottish Flood Forecast has been the biggest change to SEPA’s flood warning service in the last decade and is a major step forward in helping communities become more resilient to flooding.

“This winter we were reminded why that is so important, as parts of Scotland experienced damaging impacts from flooding – notably Aberdeenshire and Angus in November and Dumfries and Galloway in December.

“While the Scottish Flood Forecast currently displays information at a national level, work will continue on the forecast to gradually introduce localised information.”

Ian Cameron, Met Office Markets Director, said: “Every day the Met Office and SEPA teams work in close partnership to publish the Scottish Flood Forecast, providing guidance to the flood forecasting team at the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service (SFFS) with the latest weather information. 

“Working together in the SFFS Partnership enables the Met Office and SEPA to achieve more together and create a more resilient environment.”

The Scottish Flood Forecast can be viewed at www.sepa.org.uk/scottishfloodforecast.

SEPA encourages sign ups for Floodline as unsettled weather continues

High winds, heavy rain and snow melt on Thursday, 5 January, into Friday, 6 January, are likely to cause localised disruption due to coastal wave overtopping, surface water and river flooding.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scotland’s flood forecasting and warning authority, is urging people to keep updated, be mindful of potential disruption, and plan ahead for any travel.

In coastal areas, windy conditions particularly around high tides could also lead to spray and overtopping. Localised Flood Warnings have been issued for parts of Orkney and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, where large waves and strong winds could create impacts such as flooding of causeways, promenades, and roads.  

Rainfall, combined with melting snow, is likely to see minor river and surface water flooding, across much of Scotland. Regional Flood Alerts are in place and, whilst peak river levels are expected to be well below those experienced last week, given the saturated nature of the ground, minor disruption is likely on some transport routes with isolated property flooding in places.

SEPA continues to monitor the situation and will issue further flood messages as required. People are encouraged to sign up to the Floodline service to receive updates for where they live, or where they’re travelling through, directly to their phone. People can also check Flood Updates – SEPA Floodline for all the latest updates.

Staying informed

Be prepared and stay safe

  • Check Floodline – visit floodline.sepa.org.uk
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?

We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.

  • Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
  • Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

Heavy rain to bring flooding to some areas this morning

What to expect

  • Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
  • Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
  • A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life

Marc Becker, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Heavy rain from around midnight on Thursday into Friday morning could cause flooding from rivers and surface water in central and southern Scotland.

“Impacts may include flooding in communities, properties and agricultural land. Disruption to the transport network is also likely, including difficult driving conditions. Parts of Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders in particular could experience significant impacts.

“Regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings are in place. People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe. Anyone out walking is urged to be extra cautious, even around small watercourses. They can also keep updated on floodline.sepa.org.uk.

“SEPA works 24/7 to monitor conditions and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to understand and communicate the flooding risk.”

Staying informed

  • Check the latest information on SEPA’s regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
  • Check the latest advice on what to do to prepare for flooding at floodlinescotland.org.uk
  • Register for SEPA’s free Floodline alert service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk

Be prepared and stay safe

  • Check Floodline – visit floodline.sepa.org.uk
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

Boxing Day Snow and Ice warning

The Met Office has issued a Yellow warning of snow, ice affecting Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders until 6pm tonight

Wintry showers are likely to combine with some icy surfaces to cause some travel disruption, mainly to higher routes.

What to expect

  • Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
  • A very small chance of interruptions to power supplies.
  • Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

https://metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#?date=2022-12-25&id=9ab0ce11-db08-40da-bec6-a5188a65aa75&referrer=rss

Heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency in England

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) heat-health alert service is designed to help healthcare professionals manage through periods of extreme temperature. The service acts as an early warning system for periods of high temperatures that may affect the public’s health.

The alert will be in place from midday Tuesday 9 August to 6pm on Saturday 13 August for all regions of England.

Temperatures are not forecast to reach the record-breaking levels of the most recent heatwave but are expected to rise throughout the week, potentially reaching mid-30 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday in the South East, London, the South West, and the East and West Midlands.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Temperatures will feel very warm again this week, particularly in southern and central parts of the country.

“We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather safely when it arrives but remember that heat can have a fast impact on health. It’s important to ensure that people who are more vulnerable – elderly people who live alone and people with underlying health conditions – are prepared for coping during the hot weather.

“The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent their homes from overheating.”

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Tony Wardle, said: “Heatwave criteria look likely to be met for large areas of the UK later this week, with the hottest areas expected in central and southern England and Wales on Friday and Saturday. Temperatures could peak at 35⁰C, or even an isolated 36⁰C on Saturday.

Elsewhere will see temperatures widely into the high 20s and low 30s Celsius later this week as temperatures build day-on-day through the week due to an area of high pressure extending over much of the UK.

Coupled with the high daytime temperatures will be continued warm nights, with the mercury expected to drop to only around low 20s Celsius for some areas in the south.

Read more on the forecast from the Met Office.

The top ways for staying safe during hot weather:

  • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people who may also live alone, and those with underlying conditions are particularly at risk
  • stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
  • walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
  • avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
  • make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
  • check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
  • check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down

High temperatures also present a risk of wildfires, especially after long dry periods. People with pre-existing heart and lung conditions such as asthma are most susceptible as breathing wildfire smoke may worsen their symptoms. Children and older people may also be susceptible to health impacts.

If wildfire smoke affects your area, avoid or reduce your exposure to smoke by staying indoors with the doors and windows closed.

Where possible avoid smoky areas. If you should travel through a smoky area, ensure that the vehicle windows are closed and the air conditioning is switched to recycle or recirculate if possible.

Listen out for local news reports and information from the emergency services who will provide advice on the precautions you should take.

Further information:

Read the UKHSA blog on staying safe in extreme heat.

UKHSA’s Beat the heat checklist identifies suitable actions people can take to protect themselves during periods of hot weather.

For more information on the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, visit NHS.UK.

UKHSA has also published advice for the public on how to stay healthy during periods of drought.

Scorching Scotland: extreme heat Amber warning extended

The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) remains in operation as the Met Office Amber warning of extreme heat extends to more parts of Scotland this week.

The warning has been extended further northeast to Dundee.

This means that all of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Perth, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and eastern parts of Lanarkshire are all now included in the warning, as well as the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

The warning is valid from 00.00 on Monday 18 July to 23.59 on Tue 19 July. Red warnings are in place for other areas of the UK.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown, lead Minister for resilience, attended a Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR) meeting chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Mr Malthouse, on the extreme heat warning, on Saturday (16 July).  

Mr Brown said: “We are aware of the extension to the weather warnings currently in place and are receiving regular updates from partners including the Met Office and emergency services. Our resilience arrangements have been activated and stand ready at all times to coordinate a response to severe weather issues where required. We will continue to closely monitor developments.  

“When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol.

“I would also urge people to look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, as older people, those with underlying conditions and those living alone may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.

“Water safety incidents and drownings increase in hot weather and people should be aware of the dangers and use supervised beaches and pools when possible – follow the Water Safety Code and in an emergency call 999.

“If you are planning on travelling to the areas covered by the Red warning, you should be prepared for significant disruption, and may want to consider delaying your travel. If you decide to travel, you should prepare appropriately, and keep-up to date with travel alerts.”

The Met Office warning covers Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Perth, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, and eastern parts of Lanarkshire as well as the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

While these areas will see more extreme temperatures, it is important to note that there will be high temperatures across much of the country, especially up the east coast to the Moray Firth. 

The Met Office has warned that some people are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.

For guidance people should:

  • stay indoors or shaded when the sun is at its hottest (11am – 3pm)
  • drink plenty of cool fluids throughout the day
  • eat cold foods with high water content such as salads and fruit
  • take a cool shower, bath or body wash
  • sprinkle water over skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
  • avoid alcohol – which can leave you dehydrated
  • avoid extreme physical exertion

If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion – headache, feeling confused or dizzy, rapid pulse or fast breathing, body cramps (particularly in the arms, legs and stomach), feeling sick or vomiting – they need to be shaded from the sun and cooled down. Heat exhaustion is not normally serious if the person is treated within 30 minutes and symptoms begin to improve.

Ensure that babies, children or older people are not left alone in stationary cars or other closed spaces. Animals should not be transported in extreme temperatures.

The Met Office is also warning of an increased risk of risk of wildfires and disruption to transport.

EDINBURGH

Today:

Hot and Sunny.

A few early mist patches across Dumfries and Galloway soon clearing to a fine day with very warm or hot sunshine and mainly light winds. Maximum temperature 30 °C.

Tonight:

A warm sunny start to the evening but increasing amounts of high cloud later. Mainly dry and very mild overnight with a mixture of high cloud and clear spells. Minimum temperature 19 °C.

Tomorrow (Tuesday):

Hot again with sunshine and periods of high cloud. This may allow for an isolated shower, though majority staying dry, sunny. Occasional gusty breeze by coasts. Chance of thunder overnight. Maximum temperature 34 °C.

Further information is available online:

Summer health | NHS inform

Amber warning for extreme heat in Scotland next week

A Scottish Government Resilience (SGoRR) meeting was held yesterday to prepare for the potential impacts of a Met Office Amber warning of extreme heat in Scotland next week.

The warning covers southern parts of Scotland from 00.00 on Monday 18 July to 23.59 on Tue 19 July. Red warnings are in place for other areas of the UK.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown, lead Minister for resilience, said: “We are aware of the weather warnings currently in place and are receiving regular updates from partners including the Met Office and emergency services.

“Our resilience arrangements have been activated and stand ready at all times to coordinate a response to severe weather issues where required. We will continue to closely monitor developments.  

“When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol.

“I would also urge people to look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, as older people, those with underlying conditions and those living alone may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.

“Water safety incidents and drownings increase in hot weather and people should be aware of the dangers and use supervised beaches and pools when possible – follow the Water Safety Code and in an emergency call 999.”

The Met Office warning covers southern parts of Scotland including eastern parts of Dumfries and Galloway, much of the Scottish Borders and parts of East Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and Midlothian.

While these areas will see more extreme temperatures, it is important to note that there will be high temperatures across much of the country, especially up the east coast to the Moray Firth. 

The Met Office has warned that some people are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.

For guidance, people should:

  • stay indoors or shaded when the sun is at its hottest (11am – 3pm)
  • drink plenty of cool fluids throughout the day
  • eat cold foods with high water content such as salads and fruit
  • take a cool shower, bath or body wash
  • sprinkle water over skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
  • avoid alcohol – which can leave you dehydrated
  • avoid extreme physical exertion

If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion – headache, feeling confused or dizzy, rapid pulse or fast breathing, body cramps (particularly in the arms, legs and stomach), feeling sick or vomiting – they need to be shaded from the sun and cooled down. Heat exhaustion is not normally serious if the person is treated within 30 minutes and symptoms begin to improve.

Ensure that babies, children or older people are not left alone in stationary cars or other closed spaces. Animals should not be transported in extreme temperatures.

The Met Office is also warning of an increased risk of risk of wildfires and disruption to transport.

Summer health | NHS inform

Keep yourself safe in hot weather (ready.scot)

UK weather warnings – Met Office

Water Safety Code

When to phone 111 | NHS 24

SEPA seeks feedback on new three-day flood forecast

Members of the public are being asked for their feedback on a new Scottish Flood Forecast, which will give communities an indication of where flooding is likely to occur in Scotland up to three days in advance.

A digital, colour coded map has been developed to show potential flood risks for the three days following the publication date of the map, and whether the source of flooding is from the sea, rivers or from surface water.

It will describe the potential impacts of flooding and link to advice and information on what protective action people can take if required. The map will also provide reassurance to communities when significant flooding is not expected.

The forecast will be produced every morning, 365 days a year, and published on SEPA’s website. It is an additional tool for the public to use alongside the current Floodline service, which issues shorter notice regional flood alerts and local flood warnings to those signed up, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office, has created the new Scottish Flood Forecast following extensive user research.

It involved the public, community flood groups, emergency responders, partner organisations and SEPA and Met Office employees. The findings identified a need for flood information to be provided earlier, in a simple and clear way, and the ability to check when no flooding is expected.

The new national service can be viewed online from Thursday 12 May 2022 and is the first step on the journey to providing communities with improved flood information. Feedback from the public will be gathered to inform the next steps and refine the design. The forecast is expected to be finalised and launched later this year.

Pascal Lardet, Flood Warning Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “More extreme weather and rising sea levels due to climate change mean we have to learn to live with flooding.

“It’s vital communities are supported to safely prepare for the potential impacts as early as possible. Thanks to this new product and the extra notice it offers, they’ll have the best chance to reduce the risk of damage and disruption.

“The three-day Scottish Flood Forecast is the biggest change to our flood warning service since it began in 2011. We have listened to customers to ensure we are creating a product that will help them prepare for flooding at the earliest opportunity.

“We will continue to engage and capture customer feedback during the initial pilot period before launching the final version of the Scottish Flood Forecast expected later this year. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Scottish Flood Forum and the communities at risk of flooding who have already helped to develop this service so far.”

Mark Gibbs, Head of Environment and Energy at the Met Office said: “We have worked in partnership with SEPA to develop the Scottish Flood Forecast which embodies our ethos at the Met Office to help people stay safe and thrive.

“This is becoming increasingly challenging as climate change impacts threaten to affect communities across Scotland and the risks from flooding increase. The Met Office are continually working on improvements to forecasting which feed into the Scottish Flood Forecast.

“During this pilot period we look forward to hearing the views and opinions from communities throughout Scotland to create an improved final version.”

The Scottish Flood Forecast will be available and tested on:

www.sepa.org.uk/scottishfloodforecast. 

A link will be available on this page for members of the public to submit any feedback.

Double trouble! Storms warning for motorists

A leading insurance firm is warning motorists to check their policies before venturing out this week after the latest weather forecasts say two storms will hit Scotland from Wednesday night.

Storm Dudley is expected to bring coastal flooding as it coincides with high tides as well as gusts of up to 90mph and rain. Storm Eunice will follow on Friday with snow and more heavy rain.

Quotezone.co.uk, a leading car insurance comparison website, says any damage to cars caused by driving through flooded roads might not be covered by insurance policies. It warns motorists to carefully check their policies exclusions, and even if routes are partially blocked, drivers should think twice before using waterlogged roads.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “Motorists who have taken out third party only or third-party, fire and theft insurance won’t be covered for any storm damage to their vehicles, such as flying debris – only fully-comprehensive policyholders are likely to be protected in those cases.

“With Scotland expected to bear the brunt of the conditions, getting where you need to go without encountering a flooded road could be easier said than done. 

“Unfortunately, though, if motorists do decide to drive through these roads, there’s a very real risk that they won’t be covered for any resulting water damage to the car – even fully-comprehensive drivers.”

Greg Wilson advises motorists that have to go out to make sure their cars are roadworthy before setting off. Some insurance providers offer winter emergency survival kits as standard but if they don’t, it is wise to put one in the boot with thermal blankets, torches, phone chargers, emergency food and water rations and a first aid kit just in case.

Quotezone.co.uk compares prices across all types of car insurance, including breakdown cover, helping around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products. Recommended by 97% of reviewers on Reviews.co.uk.