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Strong winds and snowfall - public safety advice

Our operational teams are on standby to respond to storm-related incidents. For out-of-hours emergency support phone our Emergency Response and Resilience Team on 0161 253 6606.

  • Check the latest weather warnings from the Met Office
  • Only travel if it is absolutely essential.
  • If you do have to drive - leave extra time, slow down, be more aware of what is happening around you and keep your distance from other road users
  • Keep warm and wear layers
  • Emergency services will be very busy so you may want to report your problem using police 101 or live chat via Greater Manchester Police. If you need urgent assistance call 999.

Be prepared

  • If you are planning to travel by rail, air or sea, check with the rail, ferry or airline company in case there are any delays or cancellations
  • If you are planning to travel by tram or bus within Greater Manchester check the latest advice at: Transport for Greater Manchester
  • If you are an employer, consider asking your staff to work at home if they can or make sure you keep a close eye on weather conditions which may deteriorate
  • Prepare for a potential power cut: get torches, spare batteries, medication, mobile phone, extra blankets in one place

What to do in high winds

Before strong wind

  • Secure any loose objects such as ladders, wheely bins, garden furniture or trampolines
  • Close and securely fasten all doors and windows
  • Park all vehicles in your garage (if you have one) or keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences
  • Keep your mobile phone charged

During strong wind

  • Stay indoors
  • If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings, trees or buildings under construction
  • Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is on-going
  • Do not drive unless necessary, if you have to drive be aware of the following:
    • Keep both hands on the wheel
    • Be ready for stronger winds and gusts on exposed stretches of road or when passing high-sided vehicles
    • Be ready for sudden gusts when passing tall buildings in urban areas
    • Keep your speed down - strong gusts won't blow you as far off course
    • Take care and leave extra room around cyclists and motorcyclists.
    • Keep your distance from other vehicles, especially high-sided vehicles and caravans
    • Avoid towing high-sided trailers like caravans or horseboxes if very windy conditions are forecast
    • Twigs or small branches in the road could mean there's a tree or large branch in the way around the next bend
    • Partially fallen trees can hang above the sweep of your headlights, making them hard to spot
  • If the power goes off call Freephone 105 to report it and get information

After strong winds

  • Be careful not to touch any electrical or telephone cables which may have been blown down or are still hanging
  • Do not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened. Avoid areas where there are buildings under construction

What to do in snow

  • If the power goes off call Freephone 105 to report it and get information
  • Keep warm and wear layers. Wear gloves and a hat if you have to go outside.
  • Make sure radiators or heaters are not covered by furniture or curtains and close curtains to keep the heat in.
  • Avoid travelling if you can but if you have to travel take warm clothing, a shovel, food/drink and a mobile phone with you in case you get stuck
  • Clear your vehicle of all snow and de-ice your windscreen before you set off
  • When driving in snow, remember:
    • Slow down - it will take much longer to stop
    • Use the highest possible gear and avoid sharp acceleration and braking
  • If you get stuck in your vehicle stay inside and call for help
  • Take care when clearing snow - use salt to de-ice not hot water

Useful contacts

Electricity North West

National Highways

Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Met Office

Transport for Greater Manchester