The UK government has set out how it is preparing infrastructure and households for severe winter weather. It covers flood defences, roads, railways and energy networks, along with a new public awareness campaign.
The announcement follows storms such as Goretti and Chandra last winter. The government notes that a strong El Niño could make wetter, stormier conditions more likely in late autumn and early winter.
Flood defences in England
More than 600 flood defence projects are being delivered across England, with £1.4 billion invested in 2026–27. The government calls this part of the largest flood defence programme in English history, and says it will better protect tens of thousands of households. These defences are in England. Flood management in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is largely the responsibility of the devolved governments.
Roads and rail
The government says more than £24 billion will go on local road maintenance over the next four years. It is also investing £2.6 billion through Network Rail to make rail infrastructure more resilient to the climate. Examples given include £33 million in Durham and £41 million across North West England to stabilise embankments and guard against landslips.
Power networks
Network operators are carrying out maintenance before winter, such as clearing branches and placing engineers in at-risk areas. The government says that after Storm Amy, 99% of electricity customers were reconnected within 24 hours.
Advice for households
The Cabinet Office will launch a national campaign later this autumn with simple steps households can take to prepare for everyday emergencies, including extreme weather. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the aim was to combine national defences with practical guidance for families.
Context
All spending figures and expected benefits come from the government’s own announcement. They are not an independent assessment of whether the measures will prevent disruption this winter.
