Severe Weather & Flooding
Assessments are made based on forecasted weather patterns and previous experience of weather related events.
West Midlands Police - Adverse Weather Policy
The Adverse Weather Emergency Measures Plan is intended to assist all Officers involved in dealing with adverse weather conditions and their likely effect on traffic movement in the Force area.
Severe adverse weather conditions will undoubtedly result in serious disruption to traffic and may lead to death, serious injury and damage. This requires the special mobilisation, organisation and co-ordination of the emergency services and other organisations.
As in all major incidents the police role is to co-ordinate operations and to investigate any matters arising. The fire and rescue service will commence rescue whilst the ambulance and medical services will treat and evacuate casualties. The responsibility of the local authority will be to assist with road clearance, accommodation and care of stranded and homeless persons and to re-establish normal traffic flow as soon as possible.
Dense Fog
Local Impact
Possible widespread and disruption to travel networks.
Further Information
Storms and Gales
Local Impact
Prolonged/severe storms with the potential for fatalities/injuries to people and structural damage to buildings
Further Information
Prolonged/severe heatwave/drought
Local Impact
High day and night-time temperatures with an increased risk of fire and risk to human health. Potential impact on water supply.
Further Information
- Met Office - Heat and Sun
- Department of Health Looking after Yourself and Others in hot weather
- UK Resilience - Weather
- Heatwave plan for England
- Advice for Health and Social Care Professionals
- Advice for Care Home Managers and Staff
- Department of Health
Prolonged/severe cold weather
Local Impact
-5 degrees C or lower (wind-chill); duration 3+ days; Increased risk to human health.
Further Information
Prolonged/heavy blizzards/snowfall
Local Impact
Snowfall/drifts of 0.5m+; duration 3+ days; disruption to normal work patterns and travel networks; schools closed; disruption to care services to the elderly/infirm (e.g. meals-on-wheels); farmers unable to feed livestock/collect milk
Further Information
Prolonged/heavy rainfall
Local Impact
Potential disruption to normal work patterns and travel networks; possible disruption to care services to the elderly/infirm (e.g. meals-on-wheels; possible flooding of buildings
Further Information
Major Flooding
Local Impact
Flooding of homes; evacuation of people; accommodation required for evacuees
Further Information
Major/Severe Flash Flooding
Local Impact
Duration probably less than 1 day; flooding of homes; evacuation of people; accommodation required for evacuees
Further Information
Local Authority Flood Plans
Coventry Multi Agency Flood Plan - March 2009
Dudley MBC Flood Plan - September 2008