Farmers warned of flood risk as thunderstorms and intense rain forecast

Farmers across the UK have been warned to prepared for intense rain and thunderstorms which are forecast for much of today (July 6).

Intense rain will have the potential to cause flash flooding and consequent damage to roads, farm buildings, homes, vehicles and rural businesses.

The warnings come from rural insurer NFU Mutual.

Isolated thunderstorms and intense downpours, which could see up to 30mm of rain fall in an hour, are forecast across parts of England and Wales from Thursday to Friday morning.

NFU Mutual, which insures over 70% of UK farms and thousands of rural homes and businesses, said the farming community must be ready to respond should serious floods occur.

“When extreme weather strikes our first priority is to get immediate, practical help to people whose families and animals have been put at risk,” said Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist.

“While it is hard to accurately predict the path and intensity of summer storms, flash floods can put lives of both people and livestock at risk and cause devastating damage – particularly in hilly areas when run-off after heavy rainfall turns stream into raging torrents and threatens homes and businesses in the valleys below.

“This happened in Boscastle, which suffered terrible damage from flash floods in 2004 and the widespread floods across the Midlands in July 2007.”

“Our claims teams and 300 local offices across the UK are ready to provide immediate help to customers – including making immediate emergency payments.”

The Met Office has issued Yellow Warnings for large parts of the UK.

The floods of 2015 cost the insurer £50 million and it says flooding is likely to increase in the years ahead because of climate change.