Navigating the Elements: A Guide to UK Weather Warnings

As the seasons change and the British weather proves its unpredictability, staying informed about weather warnings becomes essential for UK drivers. Yet, just one in five (20%) Brits are confident that they know exactly what these warnings mean.

To help Brits understand, we’ve unpacked the various weather warnings, what they mean and how they can affect your journey. Drawing on Met Office data from 2011 onwards, we’ve also uncovered trends in weather warnings, including the months when they’re most frequently issued.

So, whether you're embarking on a road trip, commuting to work, or simply running errands, understanding these warnings can make all the difference in staying safe on the road.

Yellow Warning - Be Prepared

The yellow warning is the least severe of the weather warnings and serves as an alert for potentially adverse weather conditions. Yellow is the most common weather warning issued in the UK; since 2011 there have been 6,024 yellow warnings. Drivers should "be prepared" for disruptions, which could include longer journey times, slippery roads, and reduced visibility.

Common yellow warnings include rain, wind, or snow, and so drivers should exercise caution and plan their journeys accordingly.

Amber Warning - Take Action

An amber warning indicates a step up in severity, urging drivers to take action. Severe weather is expected, and there is a risk to life and property. This weather warning is the second most common in the UK, with 512 of these issued since 2011. For drivers, this means preparing for significant disruptions such as impassable roads, delays, and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Amber warnings are typically issued for events like heavy snowfall, flooding, or high winds.

Red Warning - Danger to Life

A red warning is the most serious and indicates that extreme weather conditions are imminent. These warnings advise individuals to take immediate action to protect themselves and others.

Thankfully, there have only been 26 red weather warnings since 2011. Shockingly, five of these were issued in 2023 thanks to Storm Babet, and one red warning was issued in January 2024 due to storms Isha and Jocelyn.

For drivers, red warnings mean avoiding all unnecessary travel, as the roads may be extremely dangerous.

Red warnings are rarely issued - but when they are, they demand strict adherence to safety guidelines.

The Most Common Weather Element Warnings

We’ve analysed Met Office archive data to uncover all the weather warnings issued since 2011, these are the most common weather warnings:

Rank	Weather Element	Warnings
1	Rain	3,005
2	Snow	1,229
3	Ice	1,190
4	Wind	1,083
5	Thunderstorm	402
6	Fog	224
7	Extreme Heat	10
8	Lightning	5

Rain and Flood Warnings

The most common UK weather warning element is rain with 3,005 warnings. Even moderate rain can reduce your visibility. When it’s time to use your wipers, it’s time to slow down! Roads can be more slippery in wet weather so you should give yourself more space between cars. And, remember to keep an eye on the road as spray from vehicles can limit your visibility.

Flood warnings are issued by the Environment Agency, and are crucial for drivers, especially those living in flood-prone areas. These warnings are different to the Met Office, there are three: flood alert, flood warning, and severe flood warning. These will be issued based on the severity of the flooding risk, with flood alerts being the lowest risk, to severe flood warnings being the most hazardous. It's essential for drivers to stay informed, plan alternative routes, and avoid driving through flooded areas. Flooded roads can be deceptive and pose significant dangers to both the vehicle and its occupants.

Snow and Ice Warnings

Snow is the second-most common weather warning at 1,229 warnings, followed by ice with 1,190 warnings. These warnings indicate the likelihood of snow and icy conditions, affecting road surfaces and visibility.

Drivers should be prepared for slippery roads, reduced traction, and the possibility of getting stuck. Adequate preparation, such as fitting winter tyres and carrying essential supplies, can make a significant difference when facing these challenging conditions. There’s also the possibility of your car not starting in cold weather, which drivers can prepare for by parking indoors or under cover when possible.

Whilst driving, there are steps you can take to keep safe on the road.

Mike Thompson, motoring expert and COO at Leasing Options, says: “It’s important to keep your distance between cars, so you have enough time to stop on slippery roads.”

You should decrease speed, accelerate slowly, and avoid hard braking. Ice and snow can cause your car to slip, so avoiding any sudden movements will keep you safe.

Mike adds: “You should also avoid using cruise control as this can cause your car to accelerate unpredictably. If you do skid, remember to steer in the same direction, as countersteering can cause the car to spin out of control.”

Wind Warnings

The fourth most common weather warning is wind with 1,083 warnings. For a yellow wind warning to be announced, wind speeds must be 40mph or over. But, wind speeds of over 30mph are considered to be dangerous winds for drivers.

When driving in windy weather, grip your steering wheel firmly, especially when overtaking, as strong gusts can disturb cars. If possible, drive on main roads that are least likely to have fallen trees and branches, or blowing debris.

December is the Worst Month for Weather Warnings

Between 2022 and 2024 (to date), December has received the most weather warnings - 209 in total. It is also the worst month for icy conditions, with 106 ice weather warnings issued in December (2022-24).

The next worst month for weather is January with 194 weather warnings (2022-24). Interestingly, January has the highest amount of wind alerts with 60 issued from 2022 to 2024.

How to Prepare Your Car for Stormy Weather

Driving in the elements can pose many challenges, so it’s important to be prepared before setting off on your journey.

We’ve spoken to Mike to understand what you should do ahead of some of the most challenging weather conditions.

Rain

In rainy weather, ensure your tyres are properly inflated so you have enough grip on slippery roads. There should be a tread depth of at least 1.6mm; this is the legal minimum, and without this, you could be fined up to £2,500 per tyre and receive three penalty points on your license.

Mike says: “Check your windshield wipers beforehand, and replace them if they’re in a bad condition. If there’s any dirt or debris around the windshield, make sure to clean this, too.”

Snow and Ice

Again, you should check your tyres are properly inflated before setting off. You should also check all fluids in the car are topped up, such as oil levels, windscreen fluid, and fuel.

If there’s any snow on the car you should remove this first before starting your journey. Not doing so can be dangerous if the snow moves and obstructs your view. Not to mention, this could land you with a £60 fine, and three penalty points.

“Wear warm clothes and sunglasses, in case you get stuck. The clothes will keep you warm, and the sunglasses will be handy for the low-lying winter sun,” suggests Mike.

He continues: “Drivers can even be fined for not wearing sunglasses, if you continue driving and can’t see because of the glare.” 

This is considered careless driving, so you need to protect yourself from the sun or pull over, otherwise you could be fined up to £2,500.

It’s wise to ensure your phone is fully charged, and to pack a blanket, in case you break down. A shovel and ice scraper are also good to pack so you can clear snow if you get stuck.

Wind

If windy weather is severe, there’s a chance it could disrupt your journey or cause a breakdown. So, you should pack your car well with warm clothes, food, water, a blanket, and a fully charged phone.

By staying aware of the various warnings issued by the Met Office, UK drivers can make informed decisions, ensuring their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Whether it's rain, snow, wind, or flooding, being prepared and taking appropriate action can make a significant difference in navigating the elements and arriving safely at your destination.

Drive safely, and happy driving!

 

Methodology

Survey data is from a Reddit poll, in a UK-focused subreddit, r/UKweather. We analysed the Met Office archive for weather warnings issued from 2011 to date (18/11/2024).