England’s farms suffer as one of the wettest winters devastates crops

England’s farms suffer as one of the wettest winters devastates crops

England’s agricultural sector is facing a crisis as one of the wettest winters in decades leads to widespread flooding, destroying thousands of acres of crops and placing significant financial pressure on farmers. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) conference has put flooding at the top of its agenda, with farmers across the country reporting catastrophic losses.

Storm Henk wreaks havoc across UK, leaving one dead and thousands without power

Storm Henk wreaks havoc across UK, leaving one dead and thousands without power

Storm Henk hit parts of the United Kingdom on January 2 and 3, 2024, leaving at least one person dead and another injured. The storm brought winds of up to 150 km/ (94 mph) and heavy rain, closing several major roads and train lines, and leaving as many as 10000 homes without power. Hundreds of flood warnings are in place across England, Scotland and Wales.

Storm Ciarán hits Western Europe with record-breaking winds, causing deaths and widespread damage

Storm Ciarán hits Western Europe with record-breaking winds, causing deaths and widespread damage

Storm Ciarán — the 5th named and the most powerful storm of the 2023/24 European windstorm season — wreaked havoc across Western Europe on November 2, 2023, with record winds reaching 200 km/h (124 mph), leading to floods, blackouts, and major disruptions. Ciarán underwent explosive cyclogenesis, affecting Western Europe and culminating in numerous fatalities, record-breaking wind speeds, and extensive power outages.

Scotland’s agricultural sector heavily impacted by Storm Babet

Scotland’s agricultural sector heavily impacted by Storm Babet

Entire crops were lost and farmlands inundated as Storm Babet struck Scotland between October 19 and 22, 2023. The River Esk in Brechin overflowed its 3.8 m (12.5 feet) high flood walls, leading to unprecedented flooding in areas like Angus and Perthshire.

Storm Babet leaves a trail of destruction across Scotland and Ireland, affects transportation in Sweden, Norway, and Germany

Storm Babet leaves a trail of destruction across Scotland and Ireland, affects transportation in Sweden, Norway, and Germany

A 57-year-old woman lost her life to the raging waters brought by Storm Babet in Glen Esk, Scotland on a Thursday afternoon, October 19, 2023, marking a somber note in the cascade of adversities brought about by the storm that saw hundreds of homes evacuated and over 20 000 households plunged into darkness. Severe flooding was also reported in parts of Ireland, where an investigation is now in progress as to why red warnings were not issued for areas that witnessed devastating effects.

Storm Babet triggers UK’s first Red warning for rain since 2020

Storm Babet triggers UK’s first Red warning for rain since 2020

Storm Babet is forecasted to bring heavy rains and severe winds over parts of Ireland on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and the United Kingdom on Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20, triggering the UK’s first Red warning for rain since February 2020.

Violent Atlantic storm Agnes to impact Ireland and the UK mid-week

Violent Atlantic storm Agnes to impact Ireland and the UK mid-week

Storm Agnes formed on September 25, 2023, as the first named system of the 2023/24 North Atlantic storm season. Agnes is set to bring severe winds and waves to Ireland and the UK on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Forecasters are particularly concerned due to unusually high sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, which are contributing to the storm’s rapid intensification.