Should you drive during a Met Office weather warning? Yellow, amber and red explained
When a storm or cold snap is on the way, the Met Office issues weather warnings in yellow, amber or red. Most drivers know red is serious, but what about amber? And does driving during a warning affect your car insurance?
This guide explains what each level means for drivers, how to decide whether to travel and how to prepare if you have to go.
Last updated 9 November 2026. Warning information comes from the Met Office.
Key takeaways
- Met Office warnings are based on how much impact the weather could have and how likely it is.
- Yellow: be aware. Some disruption to travel is possible. Plan ahead and allow extra time.
- Amber: be prepared. Travel delays, road closures and stranded vehicles are more likely. Consider whether your journey is essential.
- Red: take action. Dangerous weather is expected and there is a risk to life. Avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
- Driving during a warning does not automatically invalidate your car insurance, but you must still drive safely for the conditions.
In this guide
- How Met Office warnings work
- What each warning means for drivers
- Should you drive?
- Does a weather warning affect my car insurance?
- Does a weather warning affect breakdown cover?
- Preparing to drive in a warning
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and further reading
How Met Office warnings work
The Met Office issues warnings for rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, extreme heat and fog. Each warning has a colour that reflects a combination of two things: how severe the impacts could be and how likely they are to happen.
This means a yellow warning could be for a likely but low-impact event, or a less likely but more serious one. Always read the details of the warning, not just the colour. Warnings are shown on the Met Office website and app, and covered by local radio and traffic news.
What each warning means for drivers
| Warning | What it means | What drivers should do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Low-level impacts likely, or higher impacts possible. Some travel disruption. | Check the forecast and traffic before you go. Allow extra time and drive to the conditions. |
| Amber | Increased likelihood of impacts that could disrupt plans. Road closures, delays and stranded vehicles are possible. | Think about whether your journey is necessary. If you go, prepare your car and pack a winter kit. |
| Red | Dangerous weather expected. Risk to life, widespread damage and disruption likely. | Avoid travelling unless it is absolutely essential. Follow advice from the emergency services. |
Should you drive?
Ask yourself:
- Is the journey essential? Could you work from home, delay the trip or use public transport?
- What type of warning is it? Snow and ice make roads slippery; wind makes high-sided vehicles and exposed roads dangerous; heavy rain brings flooding and spray.
- Where are you going? Rural, hilly and exposed roads are worse than gritted main routes.
- Is the car ready? Tyres, lights, fluids and fuel or charge.
- What happens if you get stuck? Do you have warm clothes, water, a charged phone and breakdown cover?
The Highway Code advises not to drive in snow and ice unless your journey is essential. For specific advice, see our guides to driving in snow, floodwater and storms and high winds.
Does a weather warning affect my car insurance?
No. There is no general rule that a weather warning invalidates your car insurance. If you have a valid policy, it still applies.
However:
- You are still expected to drive with reasonable care. If you crash because you were going too fast for the conditions, the claim will usually be treated as your fault. See does car insurance cover accidents in snow and ice?
- If police have closed a road or told people not to travel and you ignored that advice, an insurer or court may take it into account.
- Some policies have specific exclusions, for example for knowingly driving into deep floodwater. Check your policy wording.
Does a weather warning affect breakdown cover?
Your breakdown cover will still apply, but in severe weather providers handle very high call volumes and may prioritise vulnerable people. You could be waiting much longer than usual, which is why a winter kit and a charged phone matter.
Preparing to drive in a warning
- Check the latest warnings and forecast for your whole route.
- Check traffic news and road closures.
- Clear your car fully of snow and ice before setting off.
- Pack a winter emergency kit.
- Fill up with fuel or charge the car fully.
- Tell someone your route and expected arrival time.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer make me drive in a red warning?
Employers have a duty to consider employees’ safety. If you are worried about travelling in a red warning, speak to your employer about working from home or delaying your journey.
Do warnings cover the whole UK?
No. Warnings are issued for specific areas and time periods. Check the map for your route, which may cross several warning areas.
Where can I see current warnings?
On the Met Office website and app, and through local radio and news.