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The Met Office has issued a level
3 (severe weather action) cold weather warning for the period between 0900
on Friday 23 Feb and 0800 on Thursday 01 March in parts of England.
1.
What does this cold weather warning mean?
This is issued when the
weather predicted in a Level 2 (alert and readiness) cold weather warning
actually happens. This means that a mean temperature
of 2°C for at least 48 hours, and/or widespread ice and heavy snow is happening
now, and is expected to impact on people’s health and on health
services. Although there are usually fewer days at
these low temperatures, the risk of negative health impacts increases as the
temperature falls. Aside from cold temperatures, snow and ice are associated
with an increase in injuries and severe disruption to services.
You should refer to the
Public Health England Cold Weather Plan and the "Keep Warm, Keep
Well" information leaflet for further information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465111/Top_tips_to_keep_warm_keep_well.pdf
2.
What is the risk in Portsmouth?
The risk specifically for South East
England is 99% hence a level 3 alert has been issued. Cold at first, and
increasingly turning very cold, especially overnight with widespread frosts.
Snow showers likely Monday onward with some accumulations. Significant wind
chill at times.
The weather forecast for Portsmouth
during this period is can be viewed using the following links http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/Portsmouth-Portsmouth#?tab=fiveDay
and http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2637487
3.
What actions should I consider for a level 3 cold weather warning?
An internal meeting will be set up
shortly to share information and actions being taken and to offer support with
your response. In the meantime please refer to the table and action cards
below.
There are 5 levels in the
Met Office cold weather warning system as summarised in the table below:
Level
0
Year-round
planning
All
year
Level
1
Winter
preparedness and action programme
1st
November to 31st March
Level
2
Severe
winter weather forecast – Alert and readiness
Mean
temperature of 2°C and/or widespread ice and heavy snow are predicted within
48 hours, with 60% confidence
Level
3
Response
to severe winter weather - Severe weather action
Severe
winter weather is now occurring: mean temperature of 2°C and/or widespread
ice and heavy snow
Level
4
Major
Incident – emergency response
Central
Government will declare a Level 4 alert in the event of severe or prolonged
cold weather affecting sectors other than health
Please refer to the action
cards in the Public Health England Cold Weather Plan
Individuals:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/468149/VCS_action_card_individuals_17October_2014.pdf
Community and voluntary sector:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/468150/VCS_action_card_21October_2014.pdf
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