Trail of destruction as Storm Doris hits farms
Farmers and insurance companies are counting the cost of Storm Doris – which saw 90mph winds topple trees and wreak havoc on buildings.
More than 1,000 insurance claims are expected in the wake of the storm, which hit the UK on Thursday (23 February).
NFU Mutual, which insures more than 75% of UK farmers, said it was already dealing with dozens of claims for damaged farm buildings, homes and vehicles.
See also: Farmers still out of pocket after Storm Desmond
“The worst damage is across the Midlands, north Wales, northern England and Scotland,” said NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Tim Price.
“It’s too early accurately predict the full extent of the damage, but from what we have heard from our claims staff, we estimate that Storm Doris could lead to more than 1,000 claims.”
“Claims reported so far include a roof torn off a large sheep shed, together with many reports of damage to the roofs of homes and commercial buildings.
Property and vehicles have also been damaged by fallen trees.
The roof was blown off a calf shed at Green Acres Farm, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
#stormdoris has decided it's time for the calves to go out. Thanks Doris! #roof pic.twitter.com/H43FViqbx1
— Mark Lea (@GreenAcres_Farm) February 23, 2017
It was a similar story at Silvesters Farm, at Euxton, near Chorley, Lancashire.
So far Doris 1 us 0 pic.twitter.com/5u4XwAgpxu
— Silvesters Farm (@SilvestersFarm) February 23, 2017
A barn was destroyed and three trees felled at Pilkington Farms in the East Midlands.
Dearest Doris has ruined a barn and blown 3 trees over across the farm but on plus side has down a grand job of drying the place out pic.twitter.com/T2OINMXthF
— Pilkington Farms (@mattpilks1) February 23, 2017
High winds blew down a tree and sign at Wellington Farm, Wilmington, near Honiton, Devon.
https://twitter.com/Littlefarmshop1/status/834863925564960768
Mr Price said NFU Mutual was able to make emergency payments of £500 or more if people are unable to remain in their homes or need to organise emergency repairs.
He added: “Having a local presence means we’ve been able to react quickly and provide immediate assistance to families and businesses in the worst-affected areas.”