Important information about Storm Ciar?n
Last updated 3pm Thursday 2 November
An amber weather warning has been issued for high winds in Brighton & Hove on Thursday. We'll update this page regularly, and you can check the Met Office for the latest forecast[1].
This will lead to disruption to services and the risk of falling trees could present a danger to life and disruption to travel and power networks.
Be prepared and do what you can to minimise the risk to yourself and others during the storm.
Wind danger
The Met Office forecasts exceptionally strong winds and the risk of falling trees and debris could pose a severe risk to life.
As winds intensify, it's crucial to stay away from the seafront. High tides and strong waves are extremely dangerous.
You should also avoid parks, woodland and open spaces, particularly areas where there is a danger of falling trees.
At home, or in your workplace, close and securely fasten doors and windows, and secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows.
Travel
There is potential for road and rail network disruption. Avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe. If possible, consider working from home.
Latest information on Brighton & Hove Buses[3].
Flooding
There are currently no flood alerts in place for Brighton & Hove, however, that could change. Visit the Government’s website for information on flood alerts[5].
If your road has a fast flow of running water following heavy rainfall, do not lift any drain covers. Lifting covers won’t help the water go away faster and it places yourself and others at risk.
Do not sweep leaves into the gutter. They can block drains making them less effective.
We have some specialist emergency crews on call, make sure you only use the highway emergency number for genuine highway emergencies.
The council cannot provide flood prevention equipment like sandbags. More information and advice about flooding in Brighton & Hove[6].
To report flooding, phone 01273 29 29 29.
If the flooding is coming from a sewer or there are visible signs of sewage, contact Southern Water.
Power cuts
The strong winds have the potential to bring down power lines in and around the city.
Prepare for potential power outages, charge devices, and keep essential supplies handy.
Get information about power cuts from UK Power Networks[7].
How to report fallen trees and hazards
Please only report fallen trees and hazards causing an immediate danger to 999.
To report other debris and damage use the following numbers:
- for dangerous structures, fallen trees and lampposts in Brighton & Hove - phone 01273 29 29 29
- for damaged telephone lines and poles - phone 0800 023 2023
- for UK Power Network - phone 0800 316 3105
Support for rough sleepers
We are activating our Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) for rough sleepers in Brighton & Hove on Thursday night. The overnight centre will be open earlier than usual, from 5pm, due to the storm.
We also provided emergency accommodation overnight for those most at risk on Wednesday night.
We're continuing to offer support to rough sleepers this winter.
When SWEP is activated the council provides shelter for all rough sleepers in the city. Venues are made available to meet demand.
If you are concerned about someone who is rough sleeping, please share the details at thestreetlink.org.uk[8]. This information is passed on to outreach workers who can go out and offer support.
More information about how we help people living on the streets in the city[9].
Schools and nurseries
We expect schools and council-run nurseries to remain open. Settings will be reviewing their individual situations and will need to make local decisions based on their own circumstances.
Where different local arrangements are in place, schools will let parents and carers know directly.
Rubbish, recycling and garden waste collections
Rubbish, recycling and garden waste collections will not be out on Thursday.
Do not put out your rubbish, recycling or garden waste bins or boxes. Make sure they are secure, but do not empty them as this will help weigh them down.
If you were due a:
- rubbish collection - this will be collected on your next scheduled collection day or you can take them to the household waste recycling sites.
- recycling collection - we will start catching up from Monday. Please secure you bins and boxes until then and then place out for collection on Monday morning
- garden waste collection, we will catch up next week. If you want a collection, please place out for collection on Monday morning
Do not leave rubbish or recycling around communal bins that are full.
Commercial waste
Commercial waste, recycling and glass collections will also not be taking place on Thursday. Do not put out your rubbish, recycling or glass waste bins. Make sure they are secure, but do not empty them as this will help weigh them down. If you were due a collection, this will be collected on your next scheduled collection.
Public toilets
We’re closing all public toilets across the city on Thursday.
Cemeteries and Woodvale Crematorium
We’re closing all cemeteries across the city on Thursday.
Cremations at Woodvale Crematorium will still be taking place. Access will be through the Lewes Road gate entrance only.
Information sharing
Keep an eye on our social media channels for relevant updates and look at information from the Met Office and Environment Agency.
Your safety is our top priority. Please share this vital information with your neighbours, friends, and family. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.
References
- ^ check the Met Office for the latest forecast (www.metoffice.gov.uk)
- ^ staying safe in a storm (www.metoffice.gov.uk)
- ^ Latest information on Brighton & Hove Buses (www.buses.co.uk)
- ^ Latest train information (www.nationalrail.co.uk)
- ^ Government’s website for information on flood alerts (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)
- ^ More information and advice about flooding in Brighton & Hove (www.brighton-hove.gov.uk)
- ^ Get information about power cuts from UK Power Networks (www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk)
- ^ Exernal link to Streetlink website (thestreetlink.org.uk)
- ^ More information about how we help people living on the streets in the city (www.brighton-hove.gov.uk)