Severe weather warnings
We know that the British weather can be unpredictable. Thanet
often escapes the worst of the weather, although severe weather
warnings are sometimes issued for our area.
The Met Office will do this when they believe there is “severe
or hazardous weather which has the potential to cause danger to
life or widespread disruption to communications or transport.” All
severe weather warnings are put on the Met Office’s website and they
are usually widely publicised in any weather forecast on TV or
radio. Weather warnings cover problems such as severe gales, heavy
rain or snow, icy roads, thunderstorms and lightning, dense fog and
also extreme heat and sun. If a severe weather warning is issued
for Thanet, keep an eye on local and national weather
forecasts.
Useful websites with weather information include:
BBC Weather
Weather Channel
Severe weather can affect driving conditions. If severe gales,
heavy rain or snow, icy roads, dense fog, thunderstorms or
lightning are forecast, then it’s worth remembering this
advice:
- Check for the latest travel information on weather and road
conditions before setting off, perhaps by checking BBC Radio Kent,
Invicta
FM or the
AA websites.
- Always check your fuel, lights, tyres, engine fluid, wipers and
screen wash before you set off.
- Monitor local radio stations during your journey.
- Slow down in bad weather conditions and keep well within
designated speed limits. This allows you extra room to slow down
and stop.
- Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration,
particularly in wet, icy and snowy conditions.
- If you start to skid, gently ease of the accelerator and try to
avoid braking. If you have to brake, do so gently.
- If it’s snowing, take the time to clear all windows, mirrors
and lights of snow and clear snow from your car roof and bonnet, so
that it doesn’t fly off into another vehicle while you’re
driving.
- Allow extra time for your journey and ensure that you let
someone know when you are setting off and when you are due to
arrive.
- It’s always a good idea to keep warm clothing in your vehicle,
along with a pair of boots, a shovel and a torch, just in case you
break down or get stuck in traffic.
And remember that you can get stuck in traffic jams in summer,
too, especially on motorways, so it's always a good idea to take
some drinking water with you, particularly if the weather is very
hot.