Wet Weather Advice

During thunderstorms or heavy rains, sudden flooding could occur, especially after a period of dry conditions. Flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions, damage to homes and businesses, and possibly cause power cuts.

Stay safe in wet and stormy weather by following our wet weather safety advice:

• Do not drive through flood water. Just 30cm of water is enough to make your car float. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another route;
• Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds, so keep your speed down and always keep a safe distance;
• Give yourself more time to react while driving – reduced visibility and wet roads will increase your stopping distance in the event of an accident. In wet weather, the stopping distance will be at least double;
• Do not move or ignore road closures signs – they are there for your safety, so please do not ignore them;
• Manholes may be dangerous – during flooding, it can be difficult to see what is under the water, but the rain can add pressure underneath the manholes;
• Check the tread and pressure of your tyres, that all your lights work and the condition of your windscreen and wipers before you set off.

In the event of thunderstorms or flash flooding, please follow the below advice to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

• Do not turn on gas or electrics if they have got wet – only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified technician;
• Ensure good ventilation if using portable indoor heating appliances to dry out indoor spaces – do not use petrol or diesel generators or other similar fuel-driven equipment indoors: the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can kill;
• Make sure people and pets are upstairs if your building does begin to flood;
• Stay inside during a flood and call 999 if you are in danger – for example if it is affecting electrics;
• Sign up for Flood Warnings on the Government’s website to be notified when flooding may occur in your area.
• Check flood risks, on X (follow @EnvAgencySE) and sign up for free flood warnings from the Environment Agency.
• Keep in touch with the Environment Agency’s regularly updated information relating to current flood alerts and flood warnings and the five-day flood risk for Berkshire.
• Call the Environment Agency’s flooding hotline for advice and support at any time on 0345 988 1188.
• Monitor online information from The Met Office, which issues weather warnings when severe weather is expected. 

For more advice on what to do to prepare for flooding or if you have been flooded, the Environment Agency and Public Health England have produced a Flooding: Advice for the Public guide. 

If available for your neighbourhood, sign up for free flood warning messages or call the Environment Agency’s Floodline: 0345 988 1188.

Cold weather during winter can often lead to frozen ponds and waterways including, canals, rivers, and lakes.

Although frozen water may look enticing, it is very dangerous and can have fatal consequences. Ice can easily break and you do not know how thin the ice you are standing on is or how deep the water is below.

Falling into freezing cold water can then cause cold water shock. Cold water shock refers to the reaction of the body to entering cold water. Cold water shock can have a dramatic effect on your body. It can cause you to breathe in water, weaken your muscles, and cause your heart to go into abnormal rhythms.

Read more about Cold Weather Advice.