Adverse weather is taken to mean all types of weather outside of what can generally be expected on a day to day basis. Due to the location of Middlesbrough in the United Kingdom this can include almost anything.
We currently have two plans, one covering adverse weather as people normally understand it (e.g. snow, rain, high winds, etc.), and one covering periods of extremely high temperatures (heatwaves). These plans fit with regional and national plans for severe weather and heatwaves.
Recently we've seen significant disruption due to adverse weather such as the heavy snow in February 2018, known as the Beast from the East, which led to transport disruption, closure of schools, and staffing problems. Extended periods of cold weather increase the pressure on health and social care services as illnesses and accidents become more common. Information on what to do will be made available to the public by the council and partner agencies in the event of adverse weather.
While adverse weather could incorporate heatwaves, for clarity we consider these as separate. Heatwaves aren't common in the north east, but they are possible, and things can be done to reduce the impact on local communities, particularly amongst vulnerable residents. As with adverse weather, information on what to do will be shared with the public by the council and partner agencies.
Flooding is one of biggest risks in Middlesbrough. Get more information about flooding.