Storm Debi hit the North East on Monday 13 November, with winds of 70 to 80 MPH and heavy rain affecting the region. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind conditions affecting County Durham, Sunderland, Tyneside and Northumberland. These weather warnings came after the area had just recovered from Storms Ciaran and Babet, which hit the North East coast. Damage was caused to the South Shields lighthouse, with its dome forcibly knocked off by a combination of strong winds and waves, amongst other coastal landmarks. In Newcastle, people were warned that strong winds could cause potential damage to buildings, with injuries and a danger to life warning placed on flying debris. Additionally, it was warned that weather conditions could lead to the disruption of roads and rail services.
Those in rural communities, farms, and dwellings are often more at risk from extreme weather, particularly when there is a string of storms. Storm Debi was the fourth named storm to hit the UK and Ireland in the last two months, and multiple weather warnings were placed across the country. It has been noted that the increase in storms is a sign of more frequent extreme weather due to the effects of climate change.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has announced that farmers hit by severe flooding this autumn will be eligible to apply for grants to help repair any damage caused. Farmers based in local authority areas where the flooding was worst will be able to apply for financial aid of up to £30,000. These areas include Moray, Perth, Kinross, Aberdeenshire, City of Aberdeen, Angus and Fife and the grant can be used to help repair man-made flood banks. The scheme will be administered by the Scottish government, with applications opening in December. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon is expected to provide further details of the funding soon. An estimated £1.8 million is being provided in support to help ease the financial burden on farmers affected by the floods.