What do Gibraltar's Yellow, Amber and Red weather warnings mean, and what thresholds trigger them?
Short answer
Gibraltar's weather warnings have three levels, Yellow (moderate), Amber (severe) and Red (extreme), each triggered by set thresholds for rainfall, wind speed and wave height. The Met Office issues them for HM Government of Gibraltar, which publishes them on its website and social media; each warning states the hazard, when it applies and what to do. The system has applied since Tuesday 20 October 2026, replacing the two-tier advisories and severe weather warnings used since 2019.
Read Government press releases
Detailed answer
Gibraltar's weather warnings have three levels, each triggered by thresholds for rainfall, wind speed and wave height. HM Government of Gibraltar announced the system on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Yellow (Moderate)
- Rainfall of 10 to 20mm in one hour, or 25 to 40mm in six hours
- Wind speeds of 63 to 82 km/h (34 to 44 knots)
- Waves of 3 to 4 metres
Amber (Severe)
- Rainfall of 21 to 40mm in one hour, or 41 to 60mm in six hours
- Wind speeds of 83 to 118 km/h (45 to 64 knots)
- Waves of 4 to 5 metres
Red (Extreme)
- Rainfall of more than 40mm in one hour, or more than 60mm in six hours
- Wind speeds above 118 km/h (64 knots)
- Waves of over 5 metres
Every warning published on the Government's channels shows the level, the hazard, when it applies and what to do.
Who issues them
The Met Office sets the warnings for HM Government of Gibraltar. It took over the service on Wednesday 1 November 2023 from MeteoGib, which had provided it since 2018, and its forecasters work from the Air Traffic Control building at the airport.
Where to find them
- Government website: warnings and storm updates appear as press releases.
- Government social media: the Government's Facebook, X and Instagram accounts.
- Royal Gibraltar Police: road closures and diversions on police.gi and the RGP WhatsApp channel. See where to check road closures.
- Local news outlets also report warnings when issued.
How to act on a warning
Read the warning first: it states the hazard, the time window and what to do. During past storms the Government has advised the public to:
- secure loose objects such as garden furniture, ladders and wheelie bins
- take particular care on the roads, as heavy rain can cause localised flooding
- avoid exposed or flood-prone areas
- travel only if necessary, and stay indoors when advised, as on Tuesday 27 January 2026
- follow updates from official sources only
Schools, services and visitors
The Government announces whether schools and public counters are open. When schools stay open, parents are asked to use their own judgement and follow the school's guidance. Severe weather can close the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and the Alameda Gardens, as on Tuesday 27 January 2026, and strong winds can divert flights to Malaga. Check warnings on the morning of any outdoor plans. In an emergency, call the police on 199.
What changed
The new system replaces the two-tier system introduced on Wednesday 20 November 2019, which had weather advisories and severe weather warnings. It adds a third level and, for the first time, sets thresholds for rainfall over one hour as well as over six hours, so a short, intense downpour can trigger a warning on its own.
Is this in law?
The system is an administrative arrangement under the Government's civil contingencies work. No legislation or Gazette notice setting the thresholds has been published.