Severe Weather

The nature of our weather can range from heavy rainfall and snow to extreme heat during the summer months. The potential weather risks in our county is why the Suffolk Resilience Forum has developed a Severe Weather Plan. There are several publications and websites available which provide advice on looking after yourself and others during periods of extreme weather.

You can find weather warnings for Suffolk on the Met Office website.

Flood alerts and a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain remain in place across Suffolk.

Following weeks of hot, dry weather, the ground has become hard and unable to absorb rainfall effectively. This increases the risk of localised flooding, particularly during heavy downpours.

How to Prepare

Know your flood risk

Check the long-term flood risk in your area.
Call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for advice and information.

Stay informed

Sign up for free flood alerts and warnings to receive updates about flooding in your area. Get flood warnings by text, phone or email – GOV.UK

Check on others

Contact relatives, neighbours, and anyone who may find it more difficult to cope during severe weather or an emergency.

Prepare an emergency bag

Pack a ‘Get Prepared’ bag and keep it somewhere easy to access.
Include essential items such as medication, important documents, insurance details, phone chargers, and other necessities.
Find out what to include in your emergency kit by reading the Household Emergency Plan and Checklist for Your Household.

Support your community

Consider creating a Community Response Plan.
Sign up to become a volunteer flood warden and help support your local area during flood events.

Protect your property

Check gutters, drains and downpipes and clear any leaves or debris.
Blocked drains can increase the likelihood of flooding around your home.

Stay safe

Never enter flood water, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
In an emergency, call 999 immediately.

For the latest flood information, weather updates and preparedness advice, continue to monitor official alerts and warnings.

Power cuts

For help with power cuts – call 105 or visit the UK Power Networks page for power cuts.

Public transport and travel

Follow Suffolk Highways on X for highways updates
Follow local radio and media or go to Traffic England for travel information
Contact bus operators to check which bus services are running
Check train travel with Greater Anglia

Contacting home care providers

Contact your care provider first if they’re running late. Find their details on the Care Quality Commission website or contact adult social care (Customer First).

Suffolk County Council Services:

Winter Gritting

Suffolk Highways are responsible for the delivery of these services in Suffolk except for trunk roads, which are the responsibility of National Highways.

Check which roads are gritted in Suffolk.