Severe weather from Storm Austen and Storm Boelo could disrupt some television and radio services in parts of the UK.  

Disruption can occur due to a fault at the transmitter, caused by the weather or with the electricity supply that feeds the transmitter. If your reception is affected during the storm, be assured that the transmitter operator will be doing their best to restore services. 

Stormy weather can also damage aerial systems to viewers and listeners who use an outside aerial. 

What should I do if I’m having reception problems due to the storm? 

• Use our transmitter checker tool to check if there is a problem with your local transmitter  
• Do not retune during a storm – you could end up removing channels 
• If there is a problem at the transmitter, use BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds while services are being restored.

What if there is no known problem at my local transmitter? 

It can be helpful to check with a neighbour that also uses Freeview (on a separate aerial). If they don’t have a problem, this may indicate a problem with your aerial system. It may have been damaged by the storm. When safe to do so: 

• Look at the aerial from the ground 
• Does it look damaged?  
• Has it moved? Does the cable look loose or broken?  

Some problems may not be visible from the ground.  If you suspect, it is damaged, you might want to call an aerial engineer. If you are a tenant or are using a shared aerial system, contact the landlord/managing agent responsible. 

We cannot recommend individual Installers. However, the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) is a recognised trade body that will be able to put you in touch with one of its members in your area.  

What if my neighbour also has a problem? 

• Check if your home shares an aerial with your neighbour. It might be damaged. 
• Use our transmitter checker tool again. If there is more than one transmitter listed, check the status of all of them 

Transmitter is fixed but I still have a problem 

If the transmitter checker tool shows the problem has been fixed: 

• Now try a retune - Visit Freeview help for instructions.  
• Investigate whether the aerial system suffered storm damage, using guidance above 

I’m on Freesat/Sky, and I’m having reception problems in the storm. What should I do? 

• Access services online, using BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds until the storm passes 
• Heavy rain can cause reception problems on satellite 
• Your dish may have become misaligned due to the severe weather. You might need to get this checked. Visit our Satellite Reception Problems help guide for more help