Preparing for Storm Ciaran
The Met Office has issued a weather warning across the country ahead of Storm Ciaran, that is forecast to bring extreme weather from the evening of Wednesday 1 November through to Thursday 2 November 2023.
High winds and heavy rain are forecast, particularly on the South Coast and on the Isle of Wight. There is a risk of damage to buildings, debris and falling trees, challenges with travelling, leading to a potential risk to life.
Our patients and staff are always our priority and we want you stay as safe as possible if you are travelling to our sites over the next two days.
- Please attend your appointment unless you have been told not to do so and only if you feel safe to travel. Please check our website for regualr updates on our services.
- If you do not feel safe to travel to your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that the service is aware and can reschedule your appointment.
- Please travel carefully if you are driving to an appointment (please follow the advice the Met office below).
- Please check local bus or train companies for any possible disruptions.
- Please be aware that power outages may occur at some of our sites.
We will continue to keep this webpage updated over the next few days.
Councils, emergency services and partner agencies are preparing to support residents across the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton and you can find more information in the resources below:
Advice from the Met office: The Met Office advice to people about travel, their home and wellbeing can be found on their website: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice
Issues on roads: Extra highways crews are on standby to respond to the impact of Storm Ciaran and clear excess water and tree debris, prioritising main routes and routes to critical services.
Driving safely in strong winds: Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by:
- Driving slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts
- Be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads
- Be cautious overtaking high sided vehicles/caravans
- Make sure you hold the steering wheel firmly
- Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual
More about travelling in storms, rain and heavy wind
Rail links: Rail services will be affected and timetables will be amended. Please visit your train provider for more information before you travel.
Flooding: The latest Public Health advice relating to flooding is available on the Government website: Flooding and health: advice for the public - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Power Outages: Information and guidance for our staff about the possibility of power outages affecting our hospitals and services, our patients and our staff.
Where to go if you require medical assistance
If you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do, visit 111 online
If you have an urgent mental health problem, please call or 111 online to access our mental health triage service.
You can also access urgent mental health support by visiting our Help in a Crisis page on our website.
If you have a life threatening emergency, please dial 999.
Urgent Treatment Centres and pharmacies are equipped to deal with minor injuries, such as cuts or sprains. Find details of pharmacies and Urgent Treatment Centres
You can also download the Healthier Together app for advice if you have children or carer responsibilities. The app can help you decide whether you can self-care at home or if you need help, and which service is best for the needs of children aged up to 18. It also provides advice and guidance for pregnant women.