The cost of repairing the damage caused by Storm Eunice is expected to be more than £500 million, as efforts to clean up begin today, 19 February.
Storm Eunice struck the UK yesterday, with high winds and a red weather morning that caused disruption to the south east.
The cost of the fall-out from storms Dudley and Eunice is expected to be much higher than those in recent history, and is estimated to be more than £500 million.
A record gust of 122mph was recorded amid the storm yesterday, 18 February, as per the Mirror.
Homes in the areas hit by the highest winds were left without power and saw damage to property and major travel delays.
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In London, the O2 arena even lost parts of its roof, while in Somerset a 19th-century church lost its spire.
Security Minister Damian Hinds has said that 'troops [are] at readiness' to help repair the damage from the storm.
The insurance claims from the storm are expected to vastly outweigh those made following storms Ciara and Dennis in 2020, which sat at around £360 million.
Companies are said to have brought in extra staff to cope with the expected influx of claims.
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Julie Watson, a member of staff at Malcolm Tarling of the Association of British Insurers, said that taking into account past storms, the company could expect mounting claims.
She noted, 'Our data shows claims for road traffic accidents leapt by more than a third during November’s Storm Arwen.
'These figures highlight the heightened dangers on roads for motorists during severe weather events.'
However, further damage and claims could be made as flood warnings and alerts remain in place throughout England.
According to an Environment Agency Spokesman, following the storm 'flooding from rivers and surface water is probable for parts of the north Midlands and north of England, and in the Welsh borders'.
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They added, 'Rivers may also continue to respond into the middle of next week. Land, roads and some properties could flood and there could be travel disruption.'
Along with the property damage and disruption, people are still being urged to remain cautious following the storm.
Currently, four people were said to have died during storm Eunice, as per the Independent.
These include a 30-year-old woman who was killed when a tree fell on her car in north London, a 50-year-old man who died after debris struck his windscreen in Merseyside, and a 20-year-old man from Hampshire who was killed when his truck hit a fallen tree.
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Shola Lee