People have been told to storm-proof their gardens (Image: Getty)
Admiral has given advice on how to storm-proof your garden ahead of Storm Eowyn this weekend, with the issuing red, amber and yellow weather warnings.
The insurer recommended things to ensure your garden isn’t wrecked by the strong winds, rain and snow.
It told people to take down hanging baskets and bird feeders, which could be picked up by strong winds and damage other areas of your garden or home. Store them away in the garage or house if you can.
Secure anything likely to be picked up by strong winds and broken – pots, furniture and bins. You might need to temporarily bring them inside or in the garage.
If you can’t do that, place them together in one area of the garden, tie furniture together and water pots before the storm hits so they’re as heavy as possible.
Storm Eowyn will hit the UK this weekend (Image: Getty)
It’s important to make sure they’re away from windows or conservatories, as they could smash glass if the winds are strong enough.
Also, make sure you check your shed’s windows and doors are securely fastened and that any structural damage – for instance, holes or patches in the roof – is fixed.
There are also ways to protect plants that can’t be brought inside.
Tie your trees and stake shrubs to anchor them to the ground, prune dead and damaged limbs so they can’t fall off and cause damage, and cover beds and delicate plants with burlap or cloth that’s secured to the ground.
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Finally, sort your drainage, making sure drainage systems and gutters are all clear. If there’s heavy rainfall during the storm, your garden could flood. If excess water is left to sit, it could lead to rotting.
It’s also a good idea to aerate your lawn to help strengthen it – all you need to do is poke some holes in the soil using a garden tool.
The issued a very rare red warning for parts of the UK for tomorrow. The whole country is covered by either a red, amber or yellow warning because of the storm.
Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.
“While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular.”