Yahoo News What do amber, red and yellow weather warnings actually mean?
The Met Office uses the warning system to inform the public about the danger of certain weather events.
Large parts of the country will face disruption from heavy snow and freezing rain over the weekend after forecasters issued two amber weather warnings.
Stranded vehicles on the roads, delayed or cancelled rail and air travel, and power cuts are all likely as the UK grapples with a week-long spell of wintry conditions, the Met Office said.
There is also a “good chance” rural communities could be cut off due to the conditions, with up to 30cm of snowfall expected locally.
An amber warning for snow and freezing rain, covering most of Wales and central England, is in place from 6pm on Saturday to midday on Sunday.
The second warning for snow, covering most of northern England, has been issued from 9pm on Saturday to midnight on Sunday.
It comes after Storm Darragh sparked a rare red warning last month for dangerous winds.
The warnings are used by the Met Office to show the public the potential impact of expected weather events.
Weather warnings can be issued for a wide array of weather events: from sub-zero temperatures to wind to heatwaves.
The system relies on a "warning impact matrix" designed by the Met Office. This matrix places the weather in question on a chart judging how likely it is the predicted weather will occur and how damaging it could be if it does.
A warning will always end up somewhere on the matrix, with only one of 16 squares on it dedicated to red.
What is a yellow warning?
What it means: Yellow warnings are the lowest on the scale, but they are still significant enough to warrant an alert from the Met Office. They indicate the weather will cause low-level impacts mostly disrupting travel.
Daily routines are not expected to be impacted for the majority of people but for some, they could face significant disruption.
The warning does not necessarily indicate that dangerous weather cannot occur, just that the Met Office has deemed the chance of it happening to be low. Reading the details of the warnings is always important.
What you should do: Take precautions when planning to travel, and make sure your region and choice of travel are not impacted. Although the weather will be unpleasant, unless going deep into the countryside or travelling extensively, preparing for the outdoor conditions with the right clothing and protection should be enough.
What is an amber warning?
What it means: An amber warning is much rarer and presents significantly more risks. These usually carry warnings of potential significant injury or danger to life in the most severe areas impacted. All of the issues with the yellow warnings are enhanced with power cuts and significant disruption to rail and other travel networks expected. Damage to property is also likely. These warnings are usually issued for extremely high temperatures, severe snow storms, torrential rain or winds of over 70mph.
What you should do: Actions that need to be taken will depend on the type of weather that has incurred the warning. If you plan on travelling in a heatwave bring enough water and sun cream, if you're travelling during flood conditions make sure the roads are clear, all require the same thing - preparation. Danger to life is expected so make sure any travel in the most severely impacted area is absolutely necessary. Secure any objects on your property that may be impacted by severe weather and stay indoors if possible.
What is a red warning?
What it means: Red warnings are rarely issued and should be taken extremely seriously. The last one was issued in October 2023 during Storm Babet when it predicted some areas would experience 200-250mm of rainfall in a short space of time. They are so rare there will be years when the Met Office does not issue any, although since 2020 there has always been at least one, with two issued in 2022. Red warnings bring the most extreme weather the UK can expect, with there being a high risk of injury or death. Property and travel networks are expected to be severely impacted with mass power cuts likely.
What you should do: Red warnings often incur exceptional advice from the government for people to do all they can to protect themselves and their property that people should follow. The Met Office recommends people do not travel during the period of the warning. If you live in the impacted area you should follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities about how best to prepare.
