News in brief:
– Farmers in the UK are preparing for severe weather as Storm Herminia brings heavy rain, strong winds, and risks to crops and livestock, following the devastation caused by Storm Éowyn.
– The Met Office has issued yellow warnings, urging farmers to secure equipment, monitor livestock, and prepare for flooding and power cuts.
Farmers across the UK are bracing for another round of challenging weather as Storm Herminia sweeps in, following the devastation caused by Storm Éowyn last week.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and heavy rain across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and southern Scotland, with potential risks to both crops and livestock.
Storm Herminia, which originated in Spain and France, poses a “danger to life” and risk of injuries, according to forecasters. The storm’s arrival comes on the heels of Storm Éowyn, which caused widespread power outages and fatalities, leaving two people dead and nearly a million properties without electricity across the UK and Ireland.
Weather warnings and farmer precautions
The latest warnings include heavy rain across the West Midlands and Wales, with forecasts of 20-40mm rainfall in most areas and up to 70mm in higher regions. Strong winds are expected to reach 70mph along exposed coasts and 50mph inland, prompting concerns about structural damage to barns, greenhouses, and other farm infrastructure.
National Rail has advised commuters and freight operators to check services, with significant disruptions expected for ScotRail, Transport for Wales, and other major lines. Farmers transporting produce or livestock should plan for delays and potential road closures.
Impact on farming operations
Reports from the southwest of England indicate power outages affecting thousands, with flooding already impacting low-lying areas. In Somerset, Sainsbury’s supermarket staff were seen sweeping water from their store—a stark reminder for farmers to check drainage systems and secure feed and machinery in flood-prone areas.
On Sunday, wind gusts reached 83mph in Devon and 81mph in North Wales. With similar conditions forecast for Monday night and Tuesday, farmers are urged to secure loose equipment, monitor livestock in exposed areas, and prepare for potential power cuts.
Lessons from Éowyn’s aftermath
Storm Éowyn—the strongest UK storm in a decade—caused widespread destruction, toppling trees and damaging critical infrastructure. The storm left thousands of farms in Scotland and Northern Ireland without power and disrupted key supply chains.
With Herminia’s impact already being felt, farmers must remain vigilant and prioritize safety measures to protect their livelihoods and communities.
