A Met Office weather warning tells you severe weather could disrupt your plans, and its colour shows how serious that disruption is likely to be: yellow means be aware, amber means be prepared, and red means take action. The colour is not wind speed or rainfall alone; it combines how big the impact could be with how likely it is.

What each colour means

A yellow warning is the most common. It often means some travel disruption in a few places, while most people can carry on as normal, but it can also cover a more serious impact that forecasters are less certain about. An amber warning means travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and a risk to life and property are more likely, and you should think about changing your plans. A red warning is rare: dangerous weather is expected, with a very high likelihood of a risk to life and substantial disruption. Avoid travelling where possible and follow emergency-service advice.

Storm Boelo: what an amber warning looked like

Storm Boelo, the second named storm of the season, brought an amber warning for wind covering mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England, in force from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. Forecasters expected gusts of 60 to 70mph, up to 80mph on exposed coasts, with flying debris, power cuts and dangerous coastal conditions possible. Yellow warnings covered the rest of Northern Ireland, northern England, Wales and large parts of England.

How to check the warnings for your area

Warnings come from the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service and can change as the forecast develops, so check the latest warning for your area before you travel. A yellow warning on your route can matter more than an amber warning elsewhere.