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Farmers pick up pieces after triple storms chaos

Ed Henderson 21 February 2022
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© Jeremy Fisk© Jeremy Fisk

Farmers counting the cost of the worst UK storm in decades are preparing for more disruption as heavy rain and high winds batter the country.

Storm Franklin is the third storm to rip through the UK in a week, following the chaos caused by storms Dudley and Eunice.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind covering parts of south-west Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and most of England until lunchtime on Monday (21 February).

See also: Business Clinic: How can we prepare for extreme weather?

Travel disruption, damage to trees and roof tiles, and power cuts are all possible under a yellow warning.

More than 180 flood warnings were in place in the UK on Monday morning and there was severe flooding in parts of Northern Ireland, as well as Manchester and Yorkshire.

On Monday afternoon, a severe flood warning – meaning there is a danger to life – was issued for the River Severn at the Wharfage in Ironbridge. Locals were advised to follow the advice of local officials and emergency services.

At least 50,000 homes were still without power on Monday morning following storm Eunice, which ripped through the UK at the end of last week.

Most of the country was under weather warnings at the height of the storm on Friday (19 February), with the most severe red warning – indicating a risk to life – in place for south-east England, London and parts of southern and eastern England and Wales.

The Isle of Wight was battered by record 122mph and 125mph winds, damaging farm buildings.

NFU Mutual senior agent John Heather said farmers on the south-west coast of the island bore the brunt of the extreme gusts.

“It was really windy out there and waves were crashing over the sea wall and have caused flooding in some areas,” he said.

Mr Heather added that the rural insurer was working to determine the extent of the damage, with all staff diverted to claims, ready to help farmers.

Nearly 200 calls were taken on Friday, resulting in 70 claims so far. 

A further 25 claims have been made as storm Franklin battered the island on Monday morning. Mr Heather said more trees have fallen due to the strong winds.

Jeremy Fisk, who farms on the island in Brighstone, lost four barn roofs due to the violent gusts.

In total, NFU Mutual said it received about 2,000 claims over the weekend and it expected that number to rise in the coming days.

Paul Branch, head of claims at NFU Mutual, said: “Agents have been providing our customers with same-day payments to make emergency purchases, helping arrange alternative accommodation and starting repair work.

“We have also managed demand by enabling those with non-urgent damage to submit claims online.”

Irish storm damage

Barryroe dairy farmer Geoff Wycherley shared pictures of the carnage caused by the storm in Cork, Ireland.

In Berkshire, farmer Colin Rayner was out over the weekend helping to clear trees from roads. He criticised rule changes by HM Revenue and Customs which from 1 April will require farmers farmers to use white diesel to clear roads.

“HMRC have the powers to cease our farm vehicles if we caught using the wrong fuel [red diesel]. Has the world gone mad?” wrote Mr Rayner on his Facebook page.

NFU Mutual advice for making a claim

  • Check your insurance policy, most farmers insure their farm buildings against extreme weather, which will cover damage to roofs and structural work
  • Have your policy number to hand
  • Contact your local agent or emergency helpline as soon as possible to get advice on what to do and arrange repairs
  • Document and take photos of any damage before any repairs are carried out
  • Give an estimate of the value of the claim if possible, or the extent of damage
  • If safe to do so, carry out any temporary repairs to stop damage getting worse
  • If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim
  • Insurers can also make emergency payments to policyholders who are forced out of their homes to help cover immediate costs
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