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, Heart 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.

Tel: 01843 577083