1 week Ago By Andrew Nuttall
According to the Met Office , the worst of the weather should have cleared as warnings lifted in many parts of the by midnight on Friday (January 24). This weekend, parts of Scotland may be under a yellow wind warning, downgraded from the rarely-used red warning. But, despite the worst of the winds passing, the destruction remains.
Dozens of homes and businesses will have suffered some form of damage as a result of the extreme weather. For some, it was flooding, whilst others experienced direct damage caused by flying or falling debris. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is reassuring homeowners and businesses that their insurers will be ready to help and support their customers.
Damage caused by storms and flooding is covered by most standard home insurance, commercial business policies and comprehensive motor insurance. Jonathan Fong, manager of General Insurance Policy at the ABI, said: “As the first named storm of 2025, many homes and businesses across the country will be braced for potential disruption and damage. But we’d like to reassure people that insurers expect bad weather to strike at any time and are geared up to deal with events like this.
Their priority will be to help affected customers recover as quickly as possible." Taking precautions should have limited damage to unavoidable events. It was suggested that people take simple steps, such as storing or securing any items in the garden that can easily be blown away, to help limit damage.
Jonathan added: "If flooding is expected, assemble a flood kit and move any valuables or sentimental items upstairs. If you do suffer damage to your property or vehicle, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice.” Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible. If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but speak to your insurer first. If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim.
Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. Your insurer will advise. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “The influence of Storm Éowyn on the UK’s weather will diminish as it moves further north and east on Saturday morning, but there’s little respite in the conditions for some with the next area of low pressure arriving from the southwest on Sunday.
While Sunday’s system doesn’t have the same strength as Eowyn, it will hamper some recovery efforts and bring further wind and rain, with the possibility of some flooding in places. "10-20mm of rain will fall quite widely on Sunday in central and southern England, much of Wales and Northern Ireland, with 30-50mm possible over high ground. Thundery showers could top up totals later in the day for some.
With this rain falling on saturated ground in many places, there’s a chance of flooding for some, with winds an accompanying hazard with the system.”.
