The Met Office has warned that this winter could bring unusually wet and stormy conditions linked to a supersized El Niño effect. Insurance payouts for storm damage to UK homes jumped 32 percent to £244 million in 2025, driven by destruction from heavy rain and strong winds during storms including Éowyn and Floris.
As severe weather forecasts mount, maintaining your home's defences has become more urgent. The piece covers practical steps to protect your property, ranging from roof tiles to garden fences and other structural vulnerabilities that face the highest risk during extreme weather.
Homeowners should review their roof condition, check fence stability, clear gutters and downpipes, and ensure garden structures are secured or removed before storms arrive. Specific maintenance tasks and materials are outlined to help reduce damage and keep occupants safe.