DAKOTA DIGITAL / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 18, 2026 / Following January's record rainfall, with weeks of heavy rain and localised flooding across parts of the UK, Pallet Trucks UK is reminding warehouse operators that crisis planning must extend beyond transport routes and supplier networks to include the warehouse floor itself. 

While road closures and delivery delays often dominate headlines during severe weather events, the operational strain inside storage and distribution facilities can be just as disruptive.

Extreme weather frequently forces emergency adjustments within warehouses. Stock may need to be relocated away from vulnerable loading bays, ground-level storage areas or buildings affected by leaks and damp. Temporary reconfiguration of layouts, rapid consolidation of goods and urgent despatch changes can all place sudden pressure on manual handling processes.

In these scenarios, dependable pallet trucks and lifting equipment become critical. Moving stock quickly and safely, often in tighter or improvised layouts, demands equipment that can be relied upon without hesitation - but cold and damp conditions can expose weaknesses in poorly maintained equipment, from stiff hydraulics to degraded wheels that struggle on wet surfaces.

Equipment failure during adverse weather can slow response times, increase manual strain and heighten the risk of accidents, particularly if floors are slippery or visibility is reduced.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, “Extreme weather doesn’t just affect what happens on the roads. It has a direct impact on how warehouses operate. When businesses need to move stock quickly to protect it, the last thing they need is handling equipment that can’t cope with damp or cold conditions.

“Crisis planning often focuses on supply routes and contingency suppliers, but it should also include a clear plan for how goods will be repositioned inside the building. Reliable and well-maintained equipment, from pallet trucks to stackers and lift tables, will give teams the confidence to work quickly and safely when conditions change.”

Pallet Trucks UK advises operators to review the condition of their manual handling equipment as part of broader resilience planning, ensuring wheels, hydraulics and braking systems are suited to fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels. Even simple checks and timely replacements can prevent avoidable disruption during challenging weather.

For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk.