The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for very strong winds, heavy rainfall and possible snow from Wednesday through to Friday.

On Wednesday evening and through to Thursday morning, Storm Dudley will cross Northern Ireland and Western Scotland before moving eastward to Northern England. The high-speed gusts of 60-90mph are expected to hit the same areas which suffered damage from Storms Malik and Corrie last month, and Storm Arwen late last year.

Storm Dudley will be followed on Friday by Storm Eunice, which is expected to hit the Wales, the Midlands and northern areas with 60-70mph gales and may be bring heavy rain and significant snowfall, and could spread as far as London and the South East.

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has mobilised its network of over 295 local Agency offices across the country, which stand ready to assist and protect members whose property is damaged by the storms. The insurer, which received 8,000 claims from recent Storms Arwen, Malik and Corrie, is also sharing practical advice to help people protect themselves and prevent damage to property where possible.

Jon Bird, Property Claims Manager at NFU Mutual, said:

“Thousands of homes, farms and other businesses in rural areas have been hard hit by Storms Arwen, Malik and Corrie and we are concerned some of our members in Scotland and North East England could suffer again.

“We are on standby with our emergency response, which includes 550 experienced NFU Mutual Agents living and working in communities across the UK, who know which properties are at risk from severe weather and will do all they can to help customers prepare.

“With over 100 years’ experience of protecting our countryside, we know that lack of shelter in rural areas leaves properties exposed to the worst of severe weather.

“We are here to support our members when they need us most. We are ready to arrange emergency payments and accommodation, rapidly assess and begin repair work, and make immediate payments based on estimated costs for simpler repairs, allowing people to get back to normal life as soon as possible.

“While the weather is calm, there are some simple steps people can take to help protect their property beforehand but we urge everyone to think first and foremost of their own and their family’s safety. Don’t underestimate these storms: don’t attempt repairs if it is unsafe to do so, and don’t make journeys unless they are absolutely necessary.

“Strong gales, heavy rain and snow can also make driving tricky. Motorists should only drive if they have to and plan their journeys carefully.”

Protecting your property and loved ones in a storm

Advice for everyone

• Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings for your area.
• Prune loose or overhanging tree branches and make sure gutters and roof tiles are secure if you can do this before the storms, but NEVER attempt repairs or maintenance during a storm.
• Secure garden furniture and clear out or put away items which cannot be secured.
• Prepare for power cuts: Have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use if required.
• If you have one, park your car in the garage. If you do not have a garage, keep cars clear of walls, fences and trees as much as possible.
• Do not leave the house or take car journeys unless absolutely necessary.
• Plan any essential car journeys, checking tyres, engine oil, coolant and screenwasher, as well as lights and battery. Keep a torch, blanket, warm clothing, sensible footwear, a bottle of water and a chocolate bar or two in the car. If a car journey is absolutely necessary, drive slowly and carefully, staying aware of high winds on exposed roads and ice and water on the road.
• Have your insurer’s emergency helpline available.
• Check with neighbours to see if they need support.
• Keep all doors and windows are closed.
• After the storm document and take pictures of any damage, as this could help your insurance claim. Report any damage to NFU Mutual as soon as possible.
• Do not enter any buildings which may be unsafe after a storm.

Advice for farmers:

• Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather such as floods – identify safer ground that you can move livestock to in event of flooding or snow
• Plan water and feed in advance and increase provisions for animals who may be unsafe to reach or become cut off during a storm.
• Check fences are intact and secure them if possible before the storm
• Be aware after a weather event, power cables or powerlines may have been brought down.
• After the storm, check field boundaries, as trees can bring down fences and may result in animals straying.

Advice for other commercial businesses:

• Make sure staff vehicles or company cars and vans are parked away from any trees and are in a safe area.
• Maintain contact with customers and employees.
• Move any stock which may be exposed to damage from the storm.