Storms and Extreme Weather
Storms are the most frequent emergency in much of Europe and North America. Strong wind, heavy rain and snow bring down trees and power lines, block roads, cut electricity and water, and isolate whole neighbourhoods for days. Most injuries happen in two moments: people who go out during the storm, and people who clean up carelessly after it. Both are avoidable.
1. Understand weather warnings
- Most European weather services use the same colour scale, also shown on Meteoalarm: yellow (be aware), orange (be prepared, disruption likely) and red (take action, danger to life).
- In the United States, a watch means conditions are possible. A warning means it is happening or about to happen.
- Follow your national weather service and your municipality. Enable emergency alerts on your phone.
- Orange or red is your signal to finish preparing, not to start.
2. Before: prepare your home
- Secure or bring inside anything the wind can lift: garden furniture, trampolines, bins, plant pots, ladders.
- Clear gutters and drains so heavy rain can run off.
- Check that windows and doors close tightly. Close shutters if you have them.
- Park away from trees and in a place that does not flood.
- Charge phones, power banks and flashlights. Fill the car's tank.
- Have your home kit ready: water, food that keeps, light, a battery radio, medicines and cash. A storm often means a power outage.
- Store extra drinking water if your area depends on electric pumps.
- Check on older neighbours and people who live alone. Agree how you will contact each other.
- Postpone travel. If you must travel, check road, train and ferry status first.
3. During the storm
At home
- Stay indoors. Keep away from windows and glass doors.
- Follow official updates on radio or official channels. Ignore rumours.
- If the power goes out, use flashlights rather than candles when possible. Unplug sensitive devices.
- Never use a generator, grill or gas heater indoors. Carbon monoxide can kill in minutes.
- Save your phone battery and the network for real emergencies. Use text messages.
If you are outside
- Get indoors as soon as possible. Stay away from trees, scaffolding, power lines and the sea front.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater. 15 cm (6 inches) of moving water can knock you down. 30 cm (1 foot) can sweep a car away. See Floods.
- If you are driving, stop in a safe place away from trees and wait.
Snowstorms
- Avoid driving. If you are stuck in a car, stay inside, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and run the engine and heater only about 10 minutes each hour, with a window slightly open.
- Dress in layers. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite, especially in children and older adults. See Heat and cold waves.
4. After the storm
- Wait for the all-clear before going out. Conditions can get worse again quickly.
- Stay away from fallen power lines. Assume every line is live. Report them to the grid company.
- Do not cut fallen trees yourself unless you are trained and equipped. Chainsaw injuries are common after storms.
- Photograph damage before you clean up, for insurance.
- Throw away refrigerated food that was above 4°C (40°F) for two hours or more during a power cut.
- Check on neighbours. Share verified information, not rumours.
- Restock your kit for the next storm.
Quick checklist
- Weather alerts enabled
- Loose objects secured
- Gutters and drains clear
- Phones, power banks and flashlights charged
- Home kit ready for at least 72 hours
- Battery radio
- Cash in small notes
- Neighbours contacted
- Travel postponed
Frequently asked questions
What does an orange weather warning mean?
Severe weather is expected and is likely to cause disruption and damage. Finish your preparations, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official updates.
How long can a power outage last after a storm?
Usually hours, but in rural areas or after major storms it can last several days. That is why authorities recommend being able to manage on your own for 72 hours to one week. Use our kit calculator.
Is it safe to shelter in the car?
Only if you are already stuck in it during a snowstorm. Otherwise, a building is much safer than a car in strong wind or flooding.
Read also: Storm Amy hits Bærum: how to prepare for extreme weather, Power Outages, Floods and all risks.
Sources
- Meteoalarm: European weather warnings and its guide to the warning colours (PDF)
- FEMA / Ready.gov: Winter Weather and Floods
- US National Weather Service: Winter safety (PDF)
- FoodSafety.gov: food safety during a power outage
- MET Norway and DSB Norway: Egenberedskap (PDF)
Educational material. Always follow instructions from your local authorities. Last reviewed: November 2026.