Updated Cold Weather Alert Issued By Public Health England

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a cold weather alert for first thing Thursday 21 January to 9am on Monday 25 January for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.

The Met Office has forecast that the arrival of Storm Christoph will bring severe cold weather with icy conditions and heavy snow. In addition, public health risks will be amplified by the risk of flooding across the same regions during this time. As the storm clears the risk of cold weather is expected to increase in northern parts of England into the weekend.

With combined risks to health from the impacts of cold weather and flooding, PHE is issuing important health advice to local partners and the public on staying safe and checking on others.

Dr Owen Landeg, a Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at PHE:


"Keep looking out for frail or older neighbours and relatives, especially those who live alone or with a serious illness. Make a call, or socially-distanced doorstep visit if they live close by, to remind them to try to heat their home to at least 18°C, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to wear shoes with a good grip if they need to go outside. It’s also important to check that they have enough food and any medicines they need.

"Flooding during the very cold weather can exacerbate the risks to health. If you experience flooding, it’s important to avoid using petrol or diesel generators, or other similar fuel-driven equipment, indoors because carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases can be deadly.

"Flooding can significantly disrupt people’s lives and it’s normal to feel anxious, tired and have difficulty sleeping. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the situation, talk to friends, family, neighbours or community support groups. If these feelings persist, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. The National Flood Forum can also provide valuable support to those affected."

Neil Armstrong, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

"Storm Christoph is bringing a very unsettled period for the UK over the next few days, and a number of severe weather warnings have been issued. Parts of central and northern England and Wales could potentially see a month’s rain in just 48 hours or so with up to 200mm possible over higher ground, presenting a real flooding threat.

"As Storm Christoph moves away into the North Sea overnight Wednesday into Thursday cold air from the north west starts to push south across the UK and, as temperatures drop, we start to see the potential for hazardous snow in parts of Scotland and a return to overnight frosts for many across the UK by the weekend."

Keep updated on the weather forecast and news on the Met Office and Environment Agency websites.

If flooding has been forecast in your area, phone Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or 0845 988 1188 or contact your local authority if you have questions.

Refer to the Cold Weather Plan for England and PHE’s online resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 for advice on how to keep warm and keep well during winter and visit PHE’s flooding collection page for health information for flooding events.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cold-weather-plan-cwp-for-england

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/11/11/health-matters-cold-weather-and-covid-19/