Storm Preparation for UK Homes: Before the Weather Hits

Storms in the UK Are Getting More Serious

Named storms used to feel like a novelty. Now they're a regular feature of British autumn and winter. The Met Office has been naming storms since 2015, and we're seeing more intense ones each year — higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and more widespread damage.

Storm Éowyn in 2025 brought gusts over 100mph to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Trees came down, roofs were damaged, and hundreds of thousands lost power for days.

You can't stop a storm, but you can make sure your home and family are ready for one.

Before Storm Season (September–October)

Do this once a year before the weather turns. It takes a Saturday afternoon.

Check Your Roof

• Look for loose, cracked, or missing tiles/slates from the ground (binoculars help)
• Check flashings around chimneys, vents, and skylights
• Clear gutters and downpipes — blocked gutters cause water damage in heavy rain
• If you spot problems, get a roofer in before storm season. They're impossible to book once a storm hits

Secure Your Garden

• Anchor sheds and fences properly — these are the first things to go in high winds
• Store or secure trampolines, garden furniture, and anything that could become a projectile
• Trim trees and hedges, especially branches overhanging your property or your neighbour's
• Check fence panels are secure in their posts

Check Your Boundaries

• Inspect fencing and walls for weakness
• Know which boundaries are your responsibility (check your title deeds)
• Loose fence panels in 60mph winds become dangerous projectiles

Storm Prep Products

A few inexpensive items can save you hundreds in storm damage repairs.

When a Storm Warning Is Issued

Understanding Met Office Warnings

24 Hours Before

1. Bring everything inside — Garden furniture, bins, hanging baskets, potted plants, children's toys, anything loose
2. Close and lock windows and doors — Locked windows withstand more pressure than unlocked ones
3. Park your car — Away from trees, ideally in a garage. If no garage, away from buildings too (falling masonry)
4. Charge everything — Phones, power banks, laptops, torches
5. Fill up your car — Petrol stations can't pump without electricity
6. Buy essentials — Don't leave a shopping trip until the storm hits
7. Check on neighbours — Especially anyone elderly or vulnerable
8. Secure your wheelie bins — Lay them down or wedge them against a wall

Close-Quarter Prep

• Know where your stopcock, fuse box, and gas shut-off are
• Close curtains and blinds (they reduce risk from broken glass)
• Put your emergency kit somewhere accessible
• Move vehicles to sheltered spots away from trees
• If you have shutters, close them

During the Storm

Stay Inside

This sounds obvious, but people get hurt every storm going out to check on their shed or secure something they forgot. It's not worth it.

• Stay away from windows
• If the wind is extreme, stay in an internal room on the ground floor
• Don't go into your loft — if tiles come off, you could be exposed
• Keep curtains and blinds drawn

If You Lose Power

• Call 105 to report it and get updates
• Switch to battery-powered lighting
• Turn off appliances that were running to prevent surge damage when power returns
• Keep your fridge and freezer shut

See our power cut preparation guide for full details.

If You See Damage Happening

• Don't go outside to investigate until the storm has passed
• If a window breaks, close the internal door to that room and put towels along the bottom
• If you hear tiles coming off, stay away from exterior walls on the top floor

After the Storm

Safety Checks

• Walk around your property from the outside and look up — check the roof, chimney, and guttering
• Check for damaged trees, especially any leaning towards buildings or power lines
• Look for water ingress inside — check ceilings, walls, and loft space
• Check outbuildings, fences, and garden walls

If Your Property Is Damaged

• Take photos of all damage before you touch anything
• Contact your home insurer — most have 24-hour storm claims lines
• Cover any roof damage temporarily with a tarpaulin if you can do so safely
• Don't attempt roof repairs yourself — get a professional
• Beware of rogue traders who turn up after storms offering "emergency repairs" for cash. Always check credentials and get things in writing

Reporting

• Fallen trees blocking roads — call your local council
• Damaged power lines — call 105
• Flooding — call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188
• Gas smell or damage to gas supply — call 0800 111 999

Storm-Proofing Your Home Long-Term

If you're in an exposed area, consider these investments:

• Impact-resistant roofing — Modern tiles and slates are rated for wind resistance
• Storm-rated fencing — Or switch to hedging, which flexes rather than snaps
• Window upgrades — Double or triple glazing is more resistant to impact and pressure
• Tree management — Annual inspection and pruning of mature trees near your property
• Gutter guards — Reduce blockages from leaf debris

Travel During Storms

The short answer: don't travel during amber or red warnings unless it's genuinely essential.

If you must:

• Check traffic and rail updates before setting out
• Stick to main roads (cleared first)
• Carry an emergency kit in your car (blanket, torch, water, phone charger, snacks)
• Be aware of crosswinds on exposed roads, bridges, and motorways
• Watch for standing water and debris on roads
• If conditions deteriorate, stop somewhere safe

Storms are one of those things that feel dramatic while they're happening but are manageable with preparation. Secure your property, stock your emergency kit, and stay indoors when the Met Office says so. That's genuinely most of it.