Top tips for farmers as Storm Agnes to bring gusts of up to 75mph

Farmers have been urged to act now to secure their farm ahead of Storm Agnes

Alex Black

26 September 2023 • 3 min read

Farmers have been urged to protect their farms as the UK braces for Storm Agnes on Wednesday and Thursday.

Storm Agnes will move into western areas of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with a windy day expected across the UK.

Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: "Storm Agnes will approach southwest Ireland early on Wednesday and track northeast across Northern Ireland and Scotland before clearing on Thursday morning.

"Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland and 50-60 mph over hills and around coasts.

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Storm Agnes

"The strongest winds are expected to affect Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, west and northwest Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some places inland may see gusts of 60 mph and 65-75 mph over hills and around coasts.

"These are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening."

NFU Mutual said gusts of 75mph could be strong enough to rip roofing sheets and cladding off rural homes and farm buildings, while fallen trees, branches and debris could cause damage to agricultural vehicles, machinery and livestock.

Heavy rain could also lead to localised flooding.

It urged farmers to plan ahead and take care if working outside in stormy conditions, adding safety should always be the ‘number one priority'.

NFU Mutual gave its top tips to keep safe:

Before the storm

Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings
Regularly inspect the farm and keep on top of maintenance whilst the weather is calm
Check tiles, slates, and roofing sheets are in place and put away any items which cannot be secured
Avoid being near barn doors if there are high winds
Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris 
Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so it can be turned off if pipes burst
Ensure there is a good tree inspection programme in place, paying particular attention to trees bordering buildings, roads, railway lines and rights of way
Prepare for power cuts by having torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use
Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather such as floods
Have your insurer's emergency helpline available

During the storm 

Do not leave the house or make journeys unless absolutely necessary
Avoid the sheltered side of walls when walking
If journeys are essential, drive slowly and carefully
Do not attempt emergency repairs during the storm
Keep all building doors and windows closed

After the storm

Be aware after a storm or weather event, power cables or powerlines may have been brought down
Do not enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm

Report any damage to the insurer

Farmers want to see return of the National Rivers Authority to help with flooding

"We have had about eight acres of the farm which has completely flooded because streams cannot cope with the amount of rainfall we have experienced"

Chris Brayford

22 October 2024 • 3 min read

Weather

Julie Foley – director of flood risk strategy at the Environment Agency: "Farming is on the frontline of climate change"

"We know that there is a perception that the majority of our investment in flood defences goes to protect urban populations. All flood and coastal risk management projects must be carefully assessed to make sure they benefit the most people and property. But that does not mean we do not prioritise rural communities"

Chris Brayford

18 October 2024 • 3 min read