Advice around water, electricity and pet care issued to residents across West Midlands ahead of Storm Goretti

Advice and guidance has been issued by Severn Trent Water, National Grid and the RSPCA ahead of the arrival of the storm, which is set to bring large amounts of snow and high winds across the region.

The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings for Thursday and Friday as Storm Goretti, which has been named as the first storm of the year by French forecasters is set to arrive. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its amber cold health alerts across England until midday on Sunday.

Severn Trent has now issued advice to customers about who to call if affected by flooding and said its teams are ready to manage any storm-related incident. 

They’ve also provided tips on how to protect any outdoor pipes at home, to prevent burst pipes and protect peoples water supply. 

Scott Ludford, from Severn Trent’s Network Control team, said: “We are expecting some very wintery condition across the region for the rest of the week, and we can reassure customers all our teams are prepared to manage any storm-related incidents.  

“Storm Goretti is predicted to bring snow, rain, ice and strong winds across parts of the region, and we know how distressing bad weather and any form of flooding can be, so we are issuing advice again so people know who to contact if the worse happens and how to be prepared for the cold snap.”  

For flooding on roads, small rivers and streams, Severn Trent said people should contact their local council to report flooding on roads or blocked drains or grates on highways. 

For major river flooding, the Environment Agency will be able to help if people are at risk of flooding due to rising river levels, while Severn Trent said it was the point of contact for sewer flooding or flooding due to burst pipes.

Other steps people can take to help keep their home flood-free during stormy conditions include emptying any water butts in the garden before the rain starts as this will help reduce the rainwater flow into the drains when a storm arrives.   

More information, including details on who to contact in the event of flooding can be found here or by visiting www.stwater.co.uk/ and searching for ‘flooding’.   

The cold can also cause issues to outdoor pipes and taps at home, so too can a change in weather conditions.  

Severn Trent is also encouraging its customers to protect their pipes by lagging them and knowing where their stop tap is in case the worst happens. 

Howard Perry, Network Operations Lead at Severn Trent, said: “Freezing conditions followed by warmer weather can cause bursts. 

“In cold weather, the water in your pipes can freeze and expand. It blocks them and can cause bursts including when they unfreeze in warmer conditions, causing damage to your home.  

“But you can get prepared by spending a few minutes now going around your home and wrap up any pipes to protect them from the cold. Don’t forget pipes in sheds, garages and outbuildings, plus any outside taps. 

“Pipe lagging and tap jackets can be found at local hardware stores, they’re easy to fit and could save you and your household a lot of hassle this winter.   

“Finding where your stop tap is and knowing how to turn it on and off is also important in case you get a leak at home. They’re usually found under the kitchen sink, downstairs toilet or utility room.” 

National Grid Electricity Distribution is reminding customers of what to do in the event of a power cut, as weather forecasts predict heavy rain and snow across the West Midlands. 

The electricity network is built to be resilient, but extreme weather can impact power supplies. High winds may damage equipment, and in colder weather, ice can form on overhead lines, adding weight that could lead to faults.  

While extreme weather can never be fully predicted, National Grid Electricity Distribution has extra teams on standby to respond quickly to any impacts from the storm. 

Roisin Quinn, Field Operations Director at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Our electricity network is built to be resilient, and we prepare year-round to ensure our teams are ready to respond quickly to any damage caused by Storm Goretti. 

“We understand how worrying severe weather can be. That’s why our engineers, contact centre staff, and welfare teams are ready to support you, whatever the storm brings. 

“Our control centre will be operating 24/7 to manage supplies and coordinate rapid response if power lines are affected. We’ve increased staffing across our engineering and customer contact teams to ensure we can respond swiftly and keep you informed. 

“If you experience a power cut, call 105. It’s free and connects you to our team who will do everything we can to restore your power safely and swiftly.” 

The RSPCA is urging animal owners to follow advice to keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe as the Met Office warns Storm Goretti will bring further snow, strong winds and heavy rain across the UK.

The plea comes as RSPCA officers remain on the frontline helping animals experiencing the worst cruelty and neglect amid difficult weather conditions. The charity’s Big Give Back to Animals is raising awareness of the plight many animals face at this time of year.

Animal owners are advised to keep an eye on local forecasts and check for warnings, and the animal charity is also calling on people to take immediate action to ensure the welfare of animals, as snow, ice and strong winds take a toll on the natural habitats of wild fowl and other wildlife.

RSPCA pet expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “We’ve already had some bouts of really chilly weather lately, and with more on the way this week, it’s really important we continue to keep our pets and animals safe and comfortable.

“From remembering to wash road salt from paws after a walk, to breaking up the ice in bird baths, we have lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their pets and local wildlife are kept safe, and we’d urge animal lovers to help us by spreading these potentially lifesaving messages.

“Difficult weather brings additional challenges for animals, but is also a chance for us to take additional measures in the home to keep our pets comfortable, happy and entertained, especially where they have to spend more time indoors. From creating dens, to introducing new games, and offering additional enrichment, now is a great time to ensure your pet has what they need with stormy conditions on the way."

To see all RSPCA flood advice for small pets, horses and livestock, see the charity’s guide online.