NFU Mutual is warning homeowners in the North of England and Scotland to prepare for Storm Otto, which is expected to bring gales of over 75mph and heavy rain throughout Friday.
The Danish Met Office has labelled Storm Otto as the country will likely see the most extreme weather, but the extreme weather will be the first named storm to impact the UK this storm naming season. The season began in September 2022.
Winds of over 75mph and rainfall of 40-50mm could cause significant disruption and damage, so the leading rural insurer is sharing advice on how to prevent damage and protect your property during a storm.
Andrew Chalk, rural insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said:
“While we’re highly unlikely to see a repeat of Storm Arwen or Storms Dudley Eunice, and Franklin, which collectively saw NFU Mutual support over 20,000 claims for damage, the strong winds and heavy rainfall brought by Storm Otto will increase the chance of damage and disruption.
“Gusts of over 75mph could be strong enough to damage roofs or weak walls, bring down branches and throw garden furniture into property, while rainfall of 40-50mm could cause localised flooding.
“While it is safe to do so, we advise homeowners in the North of England and Scotland to take simple measures to protect their property. This includes securing garden furniture, moving vehicles away from weak walls or trees where possible, and moving possessions away from ground-level rooms if flood warnings are in place.
“Though unlikely, people should also prepare for power cuts by having torches and batteries to hand.
“As the leading rural insurer, we know that properties in isolated areas are generally more susceptible to damage from storms, so people living in the countryside should pay particular attention to the risks.”
Road safety
High-speed winds and excessive rain can also make driving significantly more difficult. Those that need to travel during the storm should adjust their behaviour accordingly, reducing speeds, leaving greater stopping distances and checking routes for obstructions ahead of time.
Andrew Chalk added:
“As a campaigner on rural road safety, we urge all motorists to take extra care on countryside roads while the storm rages. These roads are already significantly more deadly than their urban counterparts, and heavy rain and wind only increases the danger of common rural road hazards like mud, blind bends and junctions and narrow roads.
“By taking things slowly and respecting fellow road users, we can ensure that the extreme weather doesn’t result in the tragic loss of life on rural roads.”
NFU Mutual’s guide to preparing for a storm
- Make sure all doors and windows can be securely closed.
- Prepare for power cuts: Have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use if required. If you are using candles, make sure you use them safely and extinguish when leaving the room, and make sure nothing hangs over the candles.
- Inspect your property and make repairs to things like loose fence panels or gates.
- Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.
- Have a space to put loose outdoor furniture like garden chairs and trampolines. If you do not have an indoor space in which to put them, ensure you have a means of tying down or otherwise securing the furniture.
- Safely check that tiles, slates and roofing sheets are in place, securing any that are not.
- Inspect trees on your property, removing loose or overhanging branches which may cause damage to your or others’ property in a storm.
- Repair or unblock any faulty drains.
- If you have a garage, clear a space for your vehicle in the event of a storm. If you do not have a garage, plan where you can park vehicle during a storm – this should be away from any walls, fences or branches which could fall and damage the vehicle.
- Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.
- Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings in your area.
- Have your insurer’s emergency helpline number available.
While driving
- Drive slowly and steadily and leave larger gaps between vehicles. Wet conditions can increase stopping distances by ten times.
- In windy weather, leave plenty of room when passing other road users, particularly vulnerable road users like walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Avoid braking suddenly, slowing down gently before corners and junctions.
- Accelerate slowly, keeping revs low.
- Take care coming up to junctions where road markings may be less visible.
