Severe Weather

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

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