New traffic light system for weather warnings

It said improvements to the clarity of the alerts would better inform emergency services of any potential disruption associated with extreme weather including heavy rainfall, snow and gale force winds. The colour coded warnings will also be available direct to the public from the Met Office website.

The improvements to the 'National Severe Weather Warning Service' draw on the experiences of the summer 2007 floods, and mirror suggestions highlighted in the interim report of the Pitt Inquiry published last December.

Met Office spokesman Graeme Leitch said: "The advisory alert will flag up a developing situation to allow for more preparedness further in advance. And alerts generally will be more targeted and easier to use.

"The user-friendly traffic light system will provide quick and easy access to vital weather information to emergency responders and the public alike."