Tag: weather

Prolonged dry conditions increase water scarcity across Scotland

Scotland’s water scarcity situation is worsening, with a further decline in river levels following another dry week and only limited rainfall forecast in the days ahead. 

This week’s Water Situation Report, published online by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that six additional river catchments have moved to Moderate Scarcity. 

The addition of the Tay, Spey, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree brings the total number of river catchments now at Moderate Scarcity to 17. This covers the east coast Aberdeenshire down to the Scottish Borders and across the south of the country to Dumfries & Galloway.  

While rain is forecast this weekend and the start of next week, it will not reverse the effects of weeks of dry conditions. Some parts of Fife have seen no measurable rain for over a month, and many rivers remain at record lows. The River Tilt in Tayside is at its lowest flow in 34 years of records, and the River Spey has seen its lowest May flow since records began in 1952. 

What do Scotland’s water scarcity levels mean? 

  • Early Warning: conditions are drying but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action. 
  • Alert: water levels are falling, and SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use. 
  • Moderate Scarcity:  there is clear environmental impact, and action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them. 

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “Some of Scotland’s most iconic rivers are at record lows, and the environmental impacts are clear. A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather. We need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east. 

“It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. Fife has had no significant rain for over a month and groundwater levels are some of the lowest on record for the time of year. So, we’re seeing some quite significant issues coming.  

“I’m urging anyone who has a licence from SEPA to take water from the environment to ensure you are doing everything you can to use water efficiently.

“If the weather continues without significant additional rain, we’ll have to take measures to reduce the amount of water that can be taken from the environment.

“The steps you take now are very important in delaying that action.”  

Advice for abstractors 

In Moderate Scarcity areas, active steps must be taken now to reduce water use and protect the environment. 

SEPA is urging all abstractors across Scotland to: 

  • Check abstraction licences and comply fully with all conditions, including hands-off flows. 
  • Switch to alternative sources (where possible). 
  • Plan and collaborate with neighbours to minimise pressure on the environment.  
  • Voluntarily reduce non-essential use in Alert areas. 

Environmental risks from first rainfall 

There is some rain in the forecast, and following dry weather, heavy rainfall can cause sudden changes in water quality. The first rainfall after a dry period can rapidly wash pollutants from roads and land into rivers, creating a short-term shock that ecosystems struggle to absorb. This is a known risk for fish deaths and is a stark reminder of how fragile river systems can be after an extended dry period.  

Anyone concerned about a fish kill should report it to SEPA as soon as possible via sepa.org.uk/report so officers can investigate and ensure there is not an ongoing pollution incident. 

Continued national engagement 

SEPA will continue to work closely with sectors that rely on Scotland’s rivers, including agriculture, hydropower and industry, to help them respond to the challenges of this water scarcity season.  

For regular updates, advice and the latest water scarcity report, visit: 

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity 

Disruption due to flooding possible over the next three days

Mark Franklin, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Persistent rain, heavy at times, is forecast in western Scotland on Sunday, becoming widespread on Monday.

“Flooding from surface water is possible on Sunday evening into Monday. River levels are also expected to be high overnight on Sunday into Monday and Tuesday, particularly around Speyside and Great Glen.

“We could see rivers reach the same heights as Storm Isha last month, but possibly higher in some locations. Travel disruption is possible, as well as flooding to land and properties.

“We have issued Regional Flood Alerts and continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7, updating Alerts and Local Flood Warnings as necessary.

“People living, working and travelling in affected areas are advised to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and stay safe, and to take extra care if they need to travel.

“We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.” 

Be prepared

  • Check the Scottish Flood Forecast - developed in partnership with the Met Office, it 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.
  • Sign up to Floodline and receive free flood messages letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.  
  • Create a flood plan which includes knowing how to shut off your gas, water and electricity supplies. 
  • Consider installing flood protection at your home.

Stay safe

  • Follow the advice of emergency responders.
  • 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. 
  • Stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves around the coast.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

Stay informed

Follow @SEPAFlood on X for the latest flooding information. 

  Check the Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings for your area.

Check your transport routes and check road conditions.

Check Ready Scotland for advice on preparing for severe weather.

Difference between Alert and 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.

Weekend storm warning for motorists

As weather forecasters say we could be in for a weekend of thunderstorms, motorists are being warned to check their insurance policies before venturing out into the elements.

The Met Office says a ‘hotter than normal’ weekend will bring outbreaks of torrential downpours and thunderstorms as temperatures cool after the heatwave.

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

If drivers find themselves stuck in the car during a thunderstorm, official advice from the Met Office is to wind up the window and stay inside the vehicle – the metal frame of the car should act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers and into the ground, should it be struck by lightning.* 

If motorists have an open or soft top vehicle, they are best to avoid driving if they know thunderstorms are coming.

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

“If a storm is predicted look at official flood warnings, avoid roads that are likely to flood and allow more time for your journey, note you may have to pull over and wait it out if the downpour starts to affect your visibility – not forgetting to put on the hazard lights.

“Unfortunately, if motorists do decide to drive through waterlogged 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 also warns motorists that have to go out, to make sure their cars are roadworthy before setting off, which includes checking tyre tread and windscreen wipers.

Quotezone.co.uk compares prices across all types of car insurance, including breakdown cover,  and niche products such as motor trade insurance – helping around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance. 

Mild spring weather potentially more dangerous for pets than extreme summer heatwaves, vets warn

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released new statistics showing that during last year’s record-breaking heatwave, where temperatures soared to in excess of 40C, vets saw fewer cases of heat-related conditions in pets, such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, than the hot summer of 2018, which was by comparison significantly cooler.

Responding to BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, vets pinpointed the extensive media coverage and a red extreme heat warning issued in 2022, but not in 2018, as a key factor in generating higher awareness of the dangers and appropriate preventative action being taken among owners to protect their pets.

In 2022, half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related conditions compared with 66% in 2018. In both surveys, dogs were the most common type of animal seen with heat-related conditions, seen by 51% of small animal vets in 2022, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%).

As the weather begins to warm up, BVA is urging owners to start taking extra precautions now, during these seemingly cooler months, to keep pets safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. The advice comes as vets fear that owners may have their guard down in these deceptively milder days, which can be as risky for dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets as during peak summer months.

British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Anna Judson said: “These new figures are a stark warning to pet owners not to be caught off guard by the seemingly cooler months of late spring and early summer.

“We might not be in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave, however, when the sun comes out from behind the clouds, cars, pavements and spaces like conservatories can quickly heat up and pets are at risk of overheating.”

Dogs need extra care

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They can struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal.

Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature.

Anna added: “Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving dogs who require treatment for heat-related conditions. Dogs won’t stop enjoying themselves and exercising because it is hot, so owners need to take action to prevent them overheating .

“This includes making sure pets aren’t walked or exercised in the middle of a hot day or left inside a car or conservatory, even when it is overcast or even for a little while, as ‘not long’ can prove fatal. Early signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.”

Other animals

Anna outlines some of the signs of heat related illness in other pets: “Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.

“If your pet has overheated, take it to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.”

Vets’ top warm weather tips: 

  • Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. This includes birds in cages or aviaries and rabbits in hutches. Provide extra shade to guinea pigs by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels.
  • Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
  • Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk; if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
  • Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
  • Rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down. Keep the hutch or run away from direct sunlight at all times of the day.
  • Flystrike is a life-threatening risk for rabbits and guinea pigs in the warmer months, Check their bottoms twice daily to see if they are clean and to spot early signs of fly eggs or maggots. A ‘sticky bottom’ is not only at much higher risk of flystrike, it may be due to a problem with your rabbit’s teeth or digestion. Speak with your vet for advice on how reduce the risk of flystrike. 
  • Some breeds of cats and dogs, particularly those with lighter-coloured or finer fur, may also benefit from pet-appropriate sun cream, especially on the ear tips, which are prone to sunburn. 
  • Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.

Hot, dry summer impacts UK butterfly populations

The heatwave and drought of summer 2022 has had a major negative impact on some UK butterfly species, a study has confirmed.

The latest results from the annual UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) led by Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), show that the extreme weather experienced across much of the UK in the summer of 2022 has had a significant impact on some butterfly species.

The Green-veined White, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Brimstone, all familiar garden and countryside butterflies, appeared in good or average numbers during the spring and early summer, but numbers in the subsequent generations were greatly reduced following the widespread drought conditions, and scientists fear that there will be similar negative impacts on other butterfly species when they start to emerge in 2023.

Drought impacts the offspring of the butterflies that are flying during the hot dry weather by causing the plants that caterpillars rely on for food to wither and die. Without sufficient food, many caterpillars will fail to survive, leading to lower numbers of butterflies in the next generation.

For some of the UK species that have more than one generation in a year, the resulting major decline in numbers has already been seen. However, for others, the next generation isn’t on the wing until this summer, meaning there could be noticeably fewer butterflies around in 2023.

It’s not the first time butterflies have been affected by drought in the UK. Data gathered by the UKBMS has shown serious negative impacts of droughts on butterflies in 1976 and 1995. Some species have never recovered their former abundance levels after the 1976 drought, although habitat destruction is likely to be a major factor in their failure to bounce back.

The difference in 2022’s drought compared to 1976 is that nowadays most UK butterfly species are already in decline. Butterfly Conservation’s recently published State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report revealed that 80% of butterflies have declined in abundance, distribution or both since the 1970s.

With droughts predicted to become more frequent and severe in the UK as climate change continues, some butterfly species may be pushed towards extinction.

Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Science, Dr Richard Fox, said: “Overall, the data for 2022 tells us that it was an average year for butterflies. However, it was a year of two halves with butterflies seen early and in about average total numbers (compared to the last 10 years) from April – July but then in greatly reduced abundance after the summer heatwave and drought.

“In general, warm, sunny weather is good for butterflies as they can be active, finding food, mating and laying eggs. But drought is a major problem as plants wither and die, meaning female butterflies may struggle to find anywhere to lay their eggs, or there is not enough food for the caterpillars when they hatch.

“The knock-on effect is fewer butterflies in the following generation. We have already seen an indication of this in the 2022 data for some of those species with a generation that flies in late summer and autumn, and sadly we can expect to see a decline in numbers of other species in 2023 too.”

The meticulously gathered UKBMS data show that, despite these concerns, 2022 was a good year for some species, including Purple Emperor, Large Blue, Chequered Skipper and Dark Green Fritillary, all of which have been the focus of targeted conservation work over the last few years. However, scientists issued a word of caution, as we have yet to see the result of the drought on these species because the next generation will not emerge until this summer.

There is much work to be done to conserve threatened species of butterfly in the UK, and the UKBMS data helps target those species most in need of conservation work.

Butterfly populations fluctuate naturally from year to year, largely due to the weather, but the long-term trends of UK butterflies are mainly driven by human activity, particularly the deterioration of habitats due to inappropriate management and pollution, and climate change.

Conservation efforts can make a real difference to local populations and working on threatened species in key landscapes to deliver nature recovery is a priority.

Dr Marc Botham, Butterfly Ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “In 2022 we collected data from over 3,000 sites and we are incredibly grateful to the thousands of volunteers who carry out monitoring and maintain this invaluable long-term dataset.

“This enables scientists to measure how butterflies are faring as well as assessing the health of our countryside generally. The UKBMS data are vital in assessing the effectiveness of government policies and progress towards the UK’s biodiversity targets.”

Nature Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Our beautiful butterflies are at risk from a changing climate and human activity. We have set out clear steps to enable nature’s recovery through our Environmental Improvement Plan and Pollinator Action Plan, which will help us meet our legal target to halt the decline in nature by 2030.

“The impacts of warm and dry weather last year are cause for concern, but it is encouraging that the last decade has seen most species stabilise. In particular, I welcome the findings that the Large Blue and the Purple Emperor, two wonderful and unique species people may recognise from Wild Isles, both experienced their second best year on record in 2022.”

Dr James Heywood, Breeding Bird Survey National Organiser at the British Trust for Ornithology, whose volunteers collect butterfly data through the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey, said: “These data are incredibly valuable as butterflies are indicators of the health of our natural environment and therefore the information gleaned from the UKBMS data is not just used to help understand and conserve butterflies, but also to help understand and protect the wider ecosystem on which so many birds, mammals and other species rely.”

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

SEPA: Flood warnings in force across Scotland

  • 13 Regional Flood Alerts and 22 Local Flood Warnings Now in Force. 
  • From late Sunday across to Tuesday, West, Central, Tayside and Northern Scotland will see persistent, often heavy rain and winds, with significant flooding impacts possible, particularly around the Spey, Forth and Tay and minor impacts possible across the broader areas.
  • Take care when walking or travelling near coastal areas, including the Western Isles and Orkney, due to surge, strong winds and wave overtopping.

Ruth Ellis, Duty Flood Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “From late Sunday across to Tuesday, West, Central, Tayside and Northern Scotland will see persistent, often heavy rain and winds, with significant flooding impacts possible, particularly around the Spey, Forth and Tay and minor impacts possible across the broader areas.

“Take care when walking or travelling near coastal areas, including the Western Isles and Orkney, due to surge, strong winds and wave overtopping.

“13 Regional Flood Alerts and 22 local Flood Warnings are now in place, and 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.

“Stay up to date with SEPA’s regional flood alerts and local flood warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates and sign-up for our free Floodline service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk.”

Staying informed

Be prepared and stay safe

  • Check Floodline – visit sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
  • 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 possibly small watercourses in spate.
  • 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.

Yellow weather warning for snow as wintry showers continue

Travel conditions remain tricky today and weather forecasters advise only essential travel.

There will be occasional snow showers in the east. Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders seeing sunshine and a few snow showers, these becoming less widespread this afternoon. It will be very cold, maximum temperature 1 °C.

Tonight: Many places will have a dry, clear and very cold night. Still a chance of an isolated snow shower across the east. Widespread severe or very severe frost. Minimum temperature -10 °C.

Edinburgh Tram services are currently suspended due to weather conditions.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1359395706717540353

Disrupted Bus Services

LOTHIAN BUSES report that due to adverse weather buses are unable to serve Picardy Place and Leith Street and are instead diverted via London Road, Regent Road and Waterloo Place southbound only until further notice.

Car Won’t Start?

The RAC estimate that 28% of breakdown issues are battery-related, so it is best to keep it regularly maintained, charged and in good health.

You can find out how to do this and how to identify the signs that your battery might need changing on the RAC’s what to do if your car won’t start in the cold page.

How can I demist my windscreen quickly?

This is one of the handiest pieces of advice at your disposal when the cold weather begins to creep in.

After all it is illegal to drive if your visibility is impeded and steamed up windows are the biggest culprit of this. Did you know that more often than not you will actually clear your windscreen faster using cold air than hot air?

Read more on the RAC’s how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time page.

Amber weather warning for snow

The transport network is expected to face a further period of disruption following an upgraded amber warning for snow in central Scotland.

The Met Office has issued an upgraded amber warning for parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, as well as West Lothian, East and West Dunbartonshire, and North Lanarkshire. It runs from 3am on Tuesday morning until 9pm tonight.

A yellow warning for snow remains in place for parts of central and eastern Scotland until midnight on Wednesday.

The current COVID restrictions mean that people should not be making journeys unless they are for an essential purpose.

Potential impacts of the amber warning include long delays and cancellations on bus and rail travel. Roads may be affected by deep snow, particularly over higher routes, and some rural communities might be cut off. Interruptions to power supplies and telephone networks could also occur.

Our operating companies are continuing to closely monitor the trunk road network, pre-deploying resources and carrying out dedicated patrols and treatments, as well as providing assistance to motorists where necessary.

Specialist snow plans have been activated for key routes, such as the M8 and M80, and the Multi Agency Response Team will be operational throughout the warning period.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “We’re being warned that parts of Scotland are expected to face another period of  challenging weather, with the Met Office issuing an amber snow warning for Tuesday.

“The current COVID restrictions mean you should only be leaving your home for an essential purpose, so please consider if your journey is absolutely necessary before setting off. The forecast conditions will likely cause difficult driving conditions and disruption to the wider transport network.

 “If you do have to make an essential journey, then the advice remains the same as it has throughout this winter – plan your route in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice. There may be disruption on other modes of transport, so you should check with your operators before setting off.

“Motorists can check with Traffic Scotland to make sure that their route is available. The Traffic Scotland mobile website – my.trafficscotland.org – lets people get the latest information on the move and the Traffic Scotland twitter page is also updated regularly.”

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “Government restrictions on only travelling if your journey is essential remains in place and so with an Amber warning for snow, please consider if your journey really is essential and whether you can delay it until the weather improves.

“If you deem your journey really is essential, plan ahead and make sure you and your vehicle are suitably prepared by having sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food, water and charge in your mobile phone in the event you require assistance.

“The Met Office, Traffic Scotland and SEPA websites and social media channels have valuable information about weather disruptions and we would encourage people to check these sites before setting off on their journey.”

Double disaster: flooding can invalidate both car and home insurance

With The Met Office forecasting this week’s weather will be a mix of floods, snow and gale-force winds, motorists and home owners are warned to take extra care by preparing where possible and being aware of what their insurance policies do and don’t cover when protecting their home and car.

While motorists with fully-comprehensive car insurance should be covered for any damage caused by debris during high winds and storms, they may not be covered for water damage caused by driving through flooded roads.

One of the UK’s largest car and home insurance comparison sites, Quotezone.co.uk, warns that some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude from coverage any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.

Flood damage can also affect your home and if you haven’t declared your location accurately your policy could be invalid.  If your house is located within 400 metres of a river, stream or coastline you will need to have informed your insurance provider.  Even if you’ve never experienced flooding yourself, your house could be classed as a ‘flood-risk property’.

Online flood maps – such as this one from the UK government – allow homeowners to check their property’s level of flood risk before taking out buildings insurance or building and contents insurance.

Many insurance providers do take anti-flood doors and other permanent flood defence features into account when calculating insurance premiums – provided they meet the appropriate industry standards and have been installed by an industry professional.

With the worst of the winter weather ahead it is important for policy holders to be aware of the legalities, keep their insurer up to date and protect their policies both home and car.

Insurance comparison expert and Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, advised: “Some car insurance providers stipulate that motorists must not drive the vehicle through flooded roads, and this clause is often present in fully-comp policies as well as less comprehensive levels of cover – rendering the policy invalid should this advice be ignored.

“With the added possibility of snow and ice, it’s also sensible to make sure your car is roadworthy by checking tyres, oil, water and petrol before you set off.  Investing in a winter emergency survival kit for your boot is also advisable; thermal blanket, torch, phone charger, emergency food/water rations, first aid kit – some of our insurance providers offer these as standard.

“With home insurance it’s always best to be honest with your provider, use the online flood map tool if you’re unsure of the exact distance to nearby rivers and double check your home for any potential issues especially in relation to the colder weather, such as added insulation for pipes.” 

Quotezone.co.uk compare prices from over 110 UK car insurance providers and over 50 home insurance proivers – helping over 3 million users find a more competitive deal on their insurance. 

Advice on both home and car insurance products and suggestions for surviving the winter weather can be found on the guides section – quotezone.co.uk/guides.