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uk Home & property emergencies storm water coming in window • water leaking around window • rain coming in through window frame • window leaking in heavy rain • water coming in around door • rain coming under door • door threshold leaking • wind driven rain leak • sudden indoor water ingress • emergency window leak • emergency door leak • flooding through window • water pooling by window • water near plug sockets • keep water out during storm • temporary leak stop inside • soak-through around frames • storm damage first steps

What to do if…
water is coming in around a window or door during a storm

Short answer

Prioritise electrical safety, then contain the water from the inside (towels/buckets/plastic) and move anything valuable or unsafe out of the wet area. Don’t attempt exterior repairs while the storm is active.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t touch switches, sockets, extension leads, or appliances if water is reaching them or you’re standing on a wet floor.
  • Don’t go outside to “quickly seal it” if it’s windy, dark, or there’s lightning (falls and debris are a bigger risk than the leak).
  • Don’t use a hairdryer, fan heater, or mains-powered tools near the leak or wet flooring.
  • Don’t ignore bulging ceilings/walls or new cracks: move everyone out of that room and keep clear of the area (and call 999 if it looks like something could collapse).
  • Don’t keep mopping into a drain if water might be backing up from drains/sewers (you can end up spreading contamination).

What to do now

  1. Get everyone into a safer, drier room first (including pets). Close interior doors to slow spread; put a towel at the bottom of the leaking doorway if that helps.
  2. Make electricity safer before you do anything else.
    • If water is approaching sockets, extension leads, or appliances, switch off power at the consumer unit only if you can reach it without stepping in water and the unit area is dry.
    • Do not touch the consumer unit if it looks wet/damaged or you notice buzzing, burning smells, or sparking. Keep people away and get professional help.
    • If you think electrical supply equipment has been affected or there’s damage to outside electrical kit, contact your local electricity network operator (often reachable on 105).
  3. Contain the leak immediately (from the inside).
    • Put a bucket/bowl where it’s dripping or flowing.
    • Lay towels in a “U” shape to slow spread; wring into a sink/toilet rather than onto carpets.
    • If it’s coming through the edges of a window/door frame, tape a plastic bag/sheet over the inside of the frame as a temporary “splash guard” and direct flow into a container.
  4. Move the right things, in the right order (30–60 seconds of triage).
    • First: electronics, chargers, extension leads, power strips, anything plugged in.
    • Next: important documents/meds/keys, then soft furnishings if they’re soaking.
    • Move items upstairs or onto a table (higher is better than “just across the room”).
  5. Reduce water spreading into the building fabric.
    • Lift curtains off the wet sill; keep fabric from acting like a wick.
    • If you have a spare towel/cloth, press it firmly into the corner where water is tracking to slow capillary spread.
  6. Treat storm/flood water as “not clean” if it’s coming from outside or the ground.
    • Keep children and pets away from puddles, avoid splashes to eyes/mouth, and wash hands after handling wet items.
  7. Escalate if it’s becoming unsafe.
    • If water is rising quickly, affecting multiple rooms, or you’re told to evacuate: move upstairs/higher ground and follow emergency services/local council advice.
    • If there’s immediate danger to life (e.g., electrical arcing, signs of collapse), call 999.

What can wait

  • You do not need to diagnose the cause (failed seal, blocked gutter, wind-driven rain) during the storm.
  • You do not need to start drying the room fully or remove skirting/boards right now.
  • You do not need to argue with insurers/landlords tonight—focus on safety, containment, and evidence (photos) when it’s safe.

Important reassurance

This happens to many homes in severe weather, especially with wind-driven rain. Containing it quickly and keeping electrics safe is already a “good outcome” for the first hour.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise the situation during the storm. Once conditions are safer, you may need a landlord/contractor/insurer and possibly an electrician before using affected circuits again.

Important note

This is general safety information, not a substitute for professional inspection. If water has contacted electrical systems, gas appliances, or the structure of the building, get appropriate professional help before switching things back on or making repairs.

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