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Advice and support during and after a storm

Find advice, support and what to do before, during and after a storm.

Find information about what to do during and after a storm and where to get help if you need it. 

Current weather warnings

Visit the Met Office website for further information and updates on weather warnings.

Visit the TfL website to plan your journey in advance.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates from around Westminster.

Sign up for flood warnings on GOV.UK.

After a storm

  • do not attempt to remove any downed trees, instead report any fallen trees to us via Report it or by calling 0207 641 2000
  • avoid walking too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could be weakened
  • make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs, Westminster housing tenants should call 0800 358 3783
  • be careful not to touch any electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging

Getting support

Whether you are a resident of or own a business in Westminster, you can call our contact centre on 020 7641 6000.

Staff will be able to help you access the support you may need. Council teams can also advise on how to access insurance claims and can help follow up with housing associations.

Electricity supply advice from UK Power Networks

Call 105 to report a power cut or visit the UK Power Networks website.

If you or someone you know needs extra support during a power cut UK Power Networks provides free services to customers in vulnerable circumstances.

Flooding

If your home has been flooded, once you are safe you can call our contact centre on 020 7641 6000 and state that you are affected by flooding.

Our staff are on hand to help you access the support you may need. This includes advising on how to access insurance claims and helping you with your housing association.

Find contacts if your home or business is flooded.

Find out how to prepare for a flood.

Housing tenants and leaseholders

If you are a Westminster Housing tenant or leaseholder and have an emergency issue with your property, please call 0800 358 3783. If you are calling out of hours, please press ‘1’ when instructed to be directed to a member of the team.

Travel advice

For the latest travel information visit National Rail or the TfL website.

Impact on local health services

Find information about any impact on local NHS services.

Advice for businesses

You can contact the Business Unit for assistance by emailing [email protected] or by calling 020 7641 2070.

Business owners who are insurance policyholders are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to check whether they might be able to make a claim on any damage or losses incurred owing to the storm.

Insurance

If you are a homeowner, the Association of British Insurers has some advice on what to do if you have suffered storm damage to your property or contents:

  • do not do anything that will put you or your household at risk
  • only return to your home or business after a storm when it is safe to do so
  • contact your property insurer as soon as possible, most will have 24-hour emergency helplines, which can give advice on the next steps and arrange repairs as quickly as possible
  • if necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim
  • do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored, your insurer can advise
  • it can take weeks, sometimes months, for a property to fully dry out, so do not be in a rush to redecorate, your insurer can give you advice

Published: 17 February 2022

Last updated: 29 September 2024