Storm Éowyn upgraded to AMBER WARNING for Caithness - advice for farmers tending livestock

The Met Office has upgraded the wind warning to amber for Caithness with the possibility of snow on Friday morning and special advice is given to farmers.

Storm Éowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption later on Friday and into early Saturday.

Issued at 10.23am on January 23 the bulletin states: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing to the northeast on Friday night and through Saturday morning.

“This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with peak gusts of 60-70mph fairly widely inland, 70-80mph in some areas, and 80-90mph along more exposed coasts and hills (perhaps even higher in a few locations). Winds will gradually ease from the south during Friday night and Saturday morning.”

An earlier warning of snow shows that there could be outbreaks around inland Caithness with rain spreading northeastwards on Friday morning that will fall as snow initially, especially on hills, before reverting to rain and eventually easing.

“As much as 15-25cm is possible above 300m. Given the strong winds that will accompany the snow, temporary blizzard conditions are possible over higher ground, with some drifting also possible for a time. A lower levels, snow will be more transient in nature and accumulations smaller, patchier and shorter-lived as snow turns to rain during the morning.”

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual urges farmers to prepare after the Met Office warnings.

Some areas of Scotland are expected to have 100mph winds with the potential for power cuts, building damages, falling trees, flying debris and flooding disrupting 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 expected alongside rainfall and snow, 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.

“Farmers can consider moving livestock to higher ground to protect them from flood water as well as moving machinery and electrical items.

“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.”

Protecting yourself and your farm in a storm

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 the 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.

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