NFU Mutual has urged farmers to prepare ahead of this weekend's arrival of Storm Darragh, as the Met Office issues Amber and Yellow warnings across the UK.

The Met Office has forecasted a period of very strong northerly and/or north-westerly winds to develop on Saturday, as Storm Darragh moves in from the Atlantic in the direction from west to east.

Gusts between 70 to 80mph are expected around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are also likely, while gusts of 60 to 70mph are expected to occur inland.

The strongest winds will ease from the west through the afternoon, the Met office predicts, but the yellow warning for wind will remain in effect until 6:00a.m on Sunday morning, it said.

As a result, Storm Darragh has the capacity to invoke power cuts, building damages, falling trees, flying debris and flooding, which has the potential, in turn, to disrupt farm work and transport routes.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns, said: “Isolated rural farms, dwellings and communities are more at risk from extreme weather, and with severe gales of up to 80mphs expected alongside rainfall, we urge everyone to plan ahead and take care if working outside.

“Safety for farmers, family members and workers should always be the number one priority and while fully understanding the pressures farmers are under, it is vital they avoid taking risks which could lead to injury or fatalities. 

NFU Mutual has a network of Agents in more than 280 offices across the country who know their communities and are on standby to progress repairs after the storms, including making emergency payments and settling simpler claims immediately.

It has issued extensive advice to farmers ahead of the storm, to implement before, during and after the incidence.

“For those working alone, it is important they tell someone where they will be and what time they should be back as well as carry a charged mobile while working outside and use the What3Words app to help provide a location in the event of an emergency.

“It is also worth checking alternative fuel and power sources in case of a power cut or disruption, such as making sure generators are in working condition and able to run at full load for long periods of time.”

“We also work closely with specialist agricultural loss adjusters, so we are able to quickly deploy people who understand your business,” Hannah Binns added.

Before the storm :

Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings;
Regularly inspect your farm and keep on top of maintenance by carrying out necessary repairs to buildings, fences and walls whilst the weather is calm;
Check that tiles, slates, and roofing sheets are in place and put away any items that 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 that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes;
Ensure you have 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: have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use if required;
Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather such as floods – identify higher ground that you can move livestock to in event of flooding;
Have your insurer’s emergency helpline available.

 During the storm: 

Do not leave the house or make journeys unless absolutely necessary;
If you need to leave the house, avoid the sheltered side of walls when walking;
If journeys are essential, drive slowly and carefully, staying aware of high winds on exposed roads and ice and water on the road;
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;
Don't enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm;
Report any damage to your insurer as soon as possible.