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Storms and wind

Last updated
24 Mar 2026

Storms and high winds can:

  • bring down trees
  • damage buildings, roads, bridges and railways
  • cause severe flooding both inland and in coastal areas
  • create large waves and dangerous sea conditions
  • make travel dangerous

They can also disrupt:

  • power
  • internet services
  • transport networks
  • mobile phone networks

Preparing for storms and high winds

Check your local weather forecast and national weather warnings on the Met Office website.

You can keep up to date with weather warnings in your area by:

Your utility company can give you extra support through the Priority Services Register. You can get this if you:

  • use medical equipment that needs power or water
  • are disabled or have a long-term health condition
  • live with children under 5
  • are over 60

Charge mobile phones and power banks in case there’s a power cut. Find your emergency plan and make sure it’s up to date.

Check in on people who need extra help during storms and high winds. Only do this if it's safe to do so. You can:

  • help prepare their home for severe weather
  • pick up extra food, water, toiletries or any medications they need
  • make sure they have important phone numbers written down
  • keep in contact by phone or visiting them

High winds

Secure loose objects that can be blown around in high winds, such as:

  • ladders
  • trampolines
  • garden furniture
  • toys

High winds can cause chimney stacks to collapse. If your chimney stacks are tall or in poor condition, move beds away from the areas directly beneath them.

Keep your vehicles in a garage, if you have one. If you do not, look for a parking spot on higher ground away from:

  • buildings
  • trees
  • walls
  • fences

Thunderstorms

Unplug all unnecessary electrical items as lightning can cause power surges.

Flooding

You can check the risk of flooding on the SEPA website. If flooding is expected in your area, find out how to prepare. 

Travel

Storms and high winds can cause dangerous travel conditions.

Keep yourself safe by following the latest travel advice from official sources.

If you must travel:

  • plan ahead
  • allow extra time for your journey
  • tell someone your destination and when you plan to arrive
  • pack an emergency kit and charge your phone before you go
  • have one or more emergency contact numbers on your phone or in your bag

Check traffic information

Check live traffic information on Traffic Scotland or by phone.

Traffic Scotland Customer Care Line

0800 028 1414
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Calls to 0800 numbers are free.

Driving

If you must drive, make sure your car is ready for poor weather. For example, check your:

  • fuel – make sure you have enough for your journey
  • tyre treads – the minimum depth is 1.6 millimetres
  • tyre pressure – if tyres are worn or incorrectly inflated then they have less grip
  • lights – make sure they are working and in good condition
  • wipers – make sure the blades are not worn and can clear the windscreen correctly

Slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. If the road is wet, it can take twice as long to stop.

If your vehicle loses its grip on surface water, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. Do not brake or steer suddenly.

Take care on exposed routes such as bridges and high open roads. Side winds can be dangerous if you’re towing or driving a high-sided vehicle.

Public transport

Storms and high winds can disrupt public transport. Be prepared for delays. Take warm clothing, food and a hot drink.

Check if your service is affected at Traveline Scotland online or by phone. Or check directly with your public transport operator.

Phone Traveline Scotland

0141 465 1878
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out about call charges on GOV.UK.

Staying safe during storms and high winds

Keep up to date with the latest:

Stay indoors if you can. Do not go outside to repair damage while a storm is in progress.

If you need to go outside

Enter and leave your house through doors on the side facing away from the storm. Close all doors behind you.

Do not walk or shelter close to:

  • buildings
  • fences
  • walls
  • trees
  • shorelines

If you lose power

Call 105 free of charge to:

  • report the problem
  • get updates on when your power will be restored

You can also report a power cut on the Power Cut 105 website.

Find out how to stay safe during a power cut on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

Thunderstorms

There’s an increased risk of electrical injury from lightning during thunderstorms.

Do not use landline phones, taps and sinks. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.

If you’re in a tent and cannot get indoors safely, stay away from metal objects such as tent poles.

If you’re outside, try to find shelter indoors. If you cannot get indoors safely, find a low-lying, open place away from:

  • trees
  • poles
  • metal objects
  • bodies of water – for example, rivers, lakes, canals or the sea

Avoid using metal objects that can conduct electricity, like an umbrella.

If you’re in an exposed location or you feel your hair stand on end:

  • squat close to the ground with your hands on your knees
  • tuck your head between your knees
  • try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible and do not lie down
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