Weather data shows half of us are caught out by bad weather
The Met Office’s just released research which shows that almost half of us have been caught out unexpectedly by severe weather over the past year.
The team says the biggest cause of disruption has been heavy rain which has stopped people getting to work on time. More than a third of people surveyed said it had meant they were either late – or meant they stayed at home.
The data reveals that weather affecting public transport, people slipping on ice along with power cuts have impacted almost one in five people.
‘While it’s too early to give a forecast for the whole of the winter ahead, we want to help individuals, families and communities prepare for, and cope with, severe weather,’ says Will Lang, Met Office Head of Situational Awareness.
‘Weather Ready reminds us all to think ahead and consider how we might be impacted by severe weather.’
The campaign follows the recent Amber and Yellow weather warnings which were announced as Storm Ashley hit parts of the UK. Flights and trains were cancelled and thousands were left without power.
Last week saw the launch of the Weather Ready winter campaign which aims to provides expert advice on travel, protecting property and health during adverse weather events.
The research shows that almost half of those surveyed (48%) check the latest weather forecast before making plans.
In recent times, the country has seen a number of powerful weather events causing severe damage – including to a number of historic canals and waterways. The National Trust said last year’s Storm Babet was ‘a taste of things to come.’
Weather Ready: Knowing how to take action
‘Checking the latest forecast and knowing what the weather is likely to do is a key part of being prepared, but it’s also really important to know ‘how’ to take action if needed.’
‘For example, knowing how to shut off your electricity or gas supply quickly, having a first aid kit to hand, or preparing a list of useful contact numbers, could all help minimise impact and disruption.’
‘We want to empower people and communities to think ahead and take control of how the weather impacts them.’
‘The Met Office’s Weather Ready advice pages bring together lots of helpful advice from our expert partners so that people know exactly what they can do to prepare ahead of impactful weather.’
