The Met Office issues weather warnings when severe weather is likely and has the potential to disrupt day-to-day life. 

These are colour-coded yellow, amber and red to reflect both how likely the extreme weather is and how badly it could impact people. 

They only cover the parts of the country affected and last for a period of hours or sometimes days. 

Most often they are for rain, wind, snow and heat. 

Yellow 

Yellow warnings are usually issued when bad weather is due but the impact on daily life will be relatively small. 

Disruption will likely involve travel delays, loss of electricity and water supplies, and minor damage to buildings. 

They can also be used when the impact of the weather could be much more severe – and even endanger life – but is less likely. 

Amber 

Amber warnings mean the weather is much more likely to disrupt your plans. 

It could result in travel delays and cancellations, power cuts and risk to life and property. 

Forecasters will ask people to consider changing their plans to minimise risk. 

Red 

Red weather warnings are the most severe and mean dangerous weather is likely. 

They are likely to mean complete disruption to travel, loss of power and water, and significant damage to homes and businesses that is likely to endanger life. 

When a red warning is issued forecasters urge people to take immediate plans to protect their homes and businesses and avoid any travel where possible.